Imagine British pop sensation Robbie Williams telling his life story as a CGI chimpanzee—sounds crazy, right? Well, Better Man is doing just that, and it’s not a joke. Directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film brings Williams to life in the body of a singing, dancing ape, taking us through his incredible journey to superstardom.
Williams’ rise from a working-class dreamer to a global pop icon is nothing short of a fairy tale. But, of course, fame comes with its ups and downs. His career has been full of unforgettable highs and dramatic lows, with some lows hitting harder than others.
Still, whenever he faces a challenge, Williams always manages to show the world he’s got what it takes both on and off-stage. So, without further delay, let’s dive into everything we know about the Better Man movie so far!
Advertisement Everything You Must Know About Better Man Movie!
Better Man hit selected theaters on December 25, 2024, before its global release on January 10, 2025. The movie first premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and was then shown at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2024.
Here’s the official synopsis for Better Man:
“Better Man tells the true story of Robbie Williams, a British pop star who went from rising to fame, experiencing a dramatic fall, and making an incredible comeback. Directed by Michael Gracey (known for The Greatest Showman), the film is told from Robbie’s point of view, capturing his unique sense of humor and determination. It follows his journey from childhood to becoming the youngest member of the hit boyband Take That, all the way to his massive success as a solo artist, while also dealing with the challenges that come with such fame.”
The teaser trailer for Better Man was released on October 2, 2024. It immediately addresses a curious question: “What’s with the monkey?” Despite being a global pop star, Robbie Williams admits he’s often felt “less evolved,” symbolized by the chimpanzee.
The teaser then shows a fast-paced montage of his chaotic life—performing concerts, surrounded by bodyguards, and adored by fans. But behind all the fame and fortune, his personal life was falling apart. This is Williams’ story, told in his unique, bold, and electrifying style.
The final trailer for Better Man dropped on November 14, taking viewers back to where it all began. Growing up as the son of working-class parents, a young CGI chimpanzee version of Williams dreams of becoming someone important. Years later, he finds success with Take That but faces a major downfall when the music industry turns against him. From the creator of hits like “Angels” and “Feel,” this movie promises a thrilling, satirical, and heartfelt look at his journey.
Who’s Playing Who in the Upcoming Movie Better Man?
The cast of Better Man features a talented group of actors who bring Robbie Williams’ life story to the screen with humor, heart, and music.
| Robbie Williams | Himself |
| Jonno Davies | Young Robbie Williams |
| Steve Pemberton | Peter |
| Damon Herriman | Nigel Martin-Smith |
| Raechelle Banno | Nicole Appleton |
| Alison Steadman | Betty |
| Kate Mulvaney | Janet |
| Frazer Hadfield | Nate |
| Tom Budge | Guy Chambers |
| Anthony Hayes | Chris Briggs |
Why is Robbie Williams so Famous?
Robbie Williams is a famous English singer and songwriter for many reasons. He’s the best-selling British solo artist ever, with over 70 million records sold worldwide. He’s had 12 number one albums in the UK, and almost all of his 14 studio albums have topped the charts. Not only that, but he’s also scored seven number one singles in the UK, including his biggest hit, “Angels.” Williams has won more BRIT Awards than anyone else, including four wins for Best British Male Artist. He also received an Icon Award for his influence on British culture.
Williams holds a Guinness World Record for selling 1.6 million tickets in one day during his Close Encounters Tour. Additionally, he co-founded the charity event “Soccer Aid,” raising over £30 million for UNICEF. Besides music, he’s tried acting, even playing the Artful Dodger in a school production of Oliver!.
Behind the Scenes: Who Made Better Man?
Better Man was first announced in February 2021, with filming starting in early 2022. Directed by Michael Gracey, who is known for his work in music production and VFX, the film reflects his big, bold directing style. Gracey previously impressed audiences with the 2017 hit The Greatest Showman and the rock and roll movie Rocketman, which was nominated for Best Original Song at the 92nd Academy Awards. The script for Better Man was written by Simon Gleeson (Love Never Dies), Oliver Cole (The Secret Life of Us), and Gracey. The film’s producers include Paul Currie, Coco Xiaolu Ma, Jules Daly, Craig McMahon, and Gracey.
Better Man’s Award Nominations: What’s on the List?
Despite its typical biopic story and the unusual choice of featuring an animated chimpanzee as the singer, Better Man won over many at the 2025 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) awards. The film made history by winning a record-breaking 16 awards, the most ever for a single film in the 66 years of the AACTA. Better Man earned nominations in major categories, including Best Direction, Best Screenplay, Best Original Song, and, most notably, Best Film, alongside George Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
Better Man: Breaking Down the Ratings and Reviews
Better Man movie currently holds a 7.2 out of 10 IMDb rating. The film has received positive reviews, currently holding an 92% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. As per the review from The Guardian,
Better Man highlights its playful yet traditional take on the music biopic formula, with a unique twist of portraying Robbie Williams as a CGI chimpanzee. While the film covers the familiar arc of Williams’ rise to fame, struggles with addiction, and eventual comeback, the chimp concept ultimately feels like a distraction. Though it adds a surreal layer to the story, it doesn’t delve deeper into its meaning beyond making Robbie seem more charismatic and unique. The performances, particularly Jonno Davies as Williams and Steve Pemberton as his father, are praised, and the film offers candid insights into the envy driving Williams’ career. However, the chimp idea loses its impact as the story unfolds, with the focus shifting back to Robbie’s human struggles and talents.
How Social Media Is Reacting to Better Man?
Social media has been buzzing with reactions to Better Man, as fans and critics alike share their thoughts on the film’s unique take on the traditional music biopic. From the surprising choice of a CGI chimpanzee to the raw portrayal of Robbie Williams’ journey, the film has sparked lively conversations online. Here’s a look at some tweets below!
FAQs
Better Man tells the life story of pop singer Robbie Williams, but with Williams portrayed as a CGI-animated chimpanzee because, as he puts it, he always felt “less evolved than other people.
A candid look at the toxic force of envy that drove his musical career but turned a talented musician into a deeply unhappy man.
Better Man, the new semi-biographical film depicted on the life of Robbie Williams is all set to release on Boxing Day (December 26).
Rated R (for drug use, pervasive language, sexual content, nudity, and some violent content.)
There is a surrender to the machinery of the industry that requires you to be a robot or a monkey.
Robbie Williams is grieving the loss of his potential romance with Kylie Minogue.
Wrap Up!
Better Man movie gives us an exciting and heartfelt look at Robbie Williams’ life. The film is different because it features a CGI chimpanzee playing the pop star, but it still shows the highs and lows of his journey to fame. With great direction, strong performances, and amazing music, Better Man will leave a lasting impression and give fans a new way to see the story of one of the UK’s biggest pop stars.