Robbie Williams Is a Singing Monkey in Teaser for ‘Better Man’ Biopic

Robbie Williams is set to star in a biopic about his own life, with an unusual twist: Instead of appearing as himself on-screen, he will instead lend his singing voice to a CGI monkey.

The teaser trailer for Better Man arrived Tuesday, with the film billing itself as the “true story” behind Williams’ life and career, except starring a primate. “I’m Robbie Williams. I’m one of the biggest pop stars in the world. But I’ve always seen myself a little less… evolved,” the singer explains via voiceover in the trailer.

The monkey itself is largely voiced and motion-captured by actor Jonno Davies, with Williams contributing as its singing voice.

“Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time,” Paramount Pictures said in a synopsis.

“The film is uniquely told from Robbie’s perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.”

In a new featurette that accompanied the teaser, Williams and director Michael Gracey further elucidated on the decision to have Williams’ life story be portrayed on the big screen by a monkey: 

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According to Gracey, he asked Williams, “If you were an animal, how would you see yourself? In your own words, you refer to being dragged up on stage to perform like a monkey. I immediately thought to portray you not as we see you, but as how you see yourself… With your voice and that monkey, I am going to see you and relate to you in a way that is going to be more engaging than yet another musical biopic.”

Better Man arrives in the U.S. for a limited engagement starting Christmas Day, with a wider release starting January 17.