Robbie Williams’ Bold Leap: Why a CGI Chimp Portrays Him inBetter Man
In a surprising twist, Robbie Williams’ biopic, Better Man , reimagines the pop icon’s life through a unique lens—portraying him as a CGI chimpanzee. Directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman , the film charts Williams’ journey from his Take That days to his solo career and personal battles, blending humor, raw emotion, and a touch of surrealism. The decision to depict Williams as a monkey (technically a chimpanzee) wasn’t arbitrary but stemmed from his self-deprecating reference to being a "performing monkey" in the world of fame.
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Williams explains that this unconventional approach offered a fresh narrative, one that mirrored his inner feelings rather than public perceptions. Initially envisioning himself as a lion—a symbol of strength—Williams admits Gracey’s suggestion of a monkey resonated deeply with his vulnerabilities. “Before he even finished the pitch, I was all in,” says Williams. Despite his enthusiasm, he opted not to perform the role directly due to the lengthy production schedule, entrusting the part to actor Jonno Davies, while Weta Workshop’s cutting-edge CGI brought the chimp to life.
The biopic doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Williams’ life, including struggles with addiction, mental health challenges, and industry pressures. One poignant chapter delves into his relationship with Nicole Appleton, highlighting the traumatic decision she faced to terminate a pregnancy due to music industry pressures—a moment Williams admits still haunts him. "It's insane to think that was the norm back then," he reflects.
Despite its somber undertones, Better Man embraces whimsy and creativity, aligning with Williams’ multifaceted persona. From singing alongside his chimp-dad to revisiting the chaos of Take That, the film captures both the absurdity and gravity of fame. For Williams, who once joked about being overlooked by Hollywood, the movie represents a triumphant artistic evolution. As he eagerly awaits the Oscars, where the film has already secured a Golden Globe nomination, Williams jokes, “If there was a Best Musical Monkey category, we’d win hands down.”
Better Man hits cinemas on December 26, promising a deeply human story told through the most unexpected of characters—a chimpanzee.
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