Robbie Williams CGI Monkey Trailer Takes Viewers by Surprise: ‘Nothing Could’ve Prepared Me’
The first trailer for “Better Man,” the musical biopic about pop star Robbie Williams, has been released, leaving many fans asking one question: “What’s with the monkey?” The British music icon’s story will be portrayed in the ambitious film by “The Greatest Showman” director, Michael Gracey, set to be released on 26 December.
However, in a surprising move, instead of having an actor play Williams, he will be depicted by a Planet of the Apes-style CGI monkey, with actor Jonno Davies providing motion capture for the role. The film debuted at the Telluride Film Festival on 2 September, taking critics by surprise with what they described as a “wild choice,” although most were positive about the movie.
The trailer offers a glimpse into Williams’ perspective, revealing that he sees himself as a “little less evolved.” Released on Wednesday, 2 October, the trailer quickly went viral, amassing over 6 million views. Reactions online varied from bemusement to amusement, with even major brands like Specsavers and Limewire joining in on the discussion.
Gracey had previously shared with Deadline that the portrayal of Williams in the film would be done in a top-secret, original way to give audiences a viewing experience like never before. “Better Man,” an Australian-American production, also stars Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, and Damon Herriman.
Interestingly, Williams is not the only musician taking a unique approach to their biopic this year. Pharrell Williams is set to have his life story retold in Lego form in the upcoming “Piece by Piece” film. The unconventional project will showcase Pharrell’s journey to becoming a renowned record producer, responsible for global hits like “Happy,” “Blurred Lines,” and “Milkshake.”
As Hollywood continues to explore innovative storytelling methods, these unconventional biopics promise a fresh take on the lives of musical legends. Stay tuned for more updates on these extraordinary projects that push the boundaries of traditional filmmaking.