Who Plays the Monkey in Robbie Williams’ ‘Better Man’ Biopic and Why?
- 'Better Man' is a quirky biopic about Robbie Williams as a monkey.
- Jonno Davies portrays younger Williams using motion-capture tech.
- The film's trailer is a fun blend of humor, heart, and excitement.
Have you heard about the wild new biopic Better Man? It focuses on the legendary Robbie Williams, but wait—he’s not just a man in this film. Nope! He’s a chimpanzee. Seriously! Directed by Michael Gracey, the director behind The Greatest Showman, this flick is turning heads and raising eyebrows.
Imagine watching a pop star’s life story, but instead of a charming singer belting out hits, you get a monkey in a wig! In the film, Williams narrates his own journey, which is both hilarious and oddly relatable.
The trailer has already got fans hyped, showing monkey-Williams kicking a soccer ball and rocking out on stage with oversized teeth. It’s like Planet of the Apes meets The Voice. If you thought biopics were only about serious drama, no! This one’s a banana blast!
Jonno Davies Brings Monkey Magic to Life in Better Man with Robbie Williams
Let’s break it down: Jonno Davies, the actor behind the monkey magic, is a star in his own right. While Robbie Williams voices himself, it’s Davies who transforms into the wild younger version of Williams.
The whole process is super techy, using motion-capture to make this hilarious concept come to life. Imagine the scene: Davies in a green suit, looking all serious while pretending to be a monkey!
Williams described the experience as “super odd” in an interview with The Times. It’s all in good fun, and it shows how creative filmmakers can get. And let’s not forget the other cast members, like Steve Pemberton and Alison Steadman, who add flair to this already colorful story. But the real question is, why the monkey?
In a new featurette on Paramount Pictures’ YouTube, Williams and director Michael Gracey spill some tea about why they chose a monkey to tell Williams’ story. Gracey straight-up asked him:
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…
So, they figured, why not show how he sees himself instead of how everyone else sees him? And it’s going to make the story way more relatable and chill than your usual musical biopic. Sounds pretty amazing, right?
The Trailer—A First Look at the Monkey Madness in Better Man
The trailer for Better Man has dropped, and it’s everything fans hoped for—and more! In the trailer (via Paramount Pictures’ YouTube), Robbie Williams starts with a self-aware intro, saying:
I know what you’re thinking. What’s with the monkey? 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.
He really does break the fourth wall, making it relatable and funny. The visuals are on point, showing monkey-Williams kicking a soccer ball and rocking out in front of thousands.
The film dives into the nitty-gritty of his life: the ups, the downs, and everything in between. The monkey stands as a metaphor for his journey—always searching for a sense of belonging while juggling fame.
And honestly, who hasn’t felt like a monkey in a world full of people? So, get ready to see the 50-year-old’s world in a whole new light—one filled with laughs, music, and maybe a few banana peels along the way!
Better Man will be released in Australian theaters on December 26, 2024, with a limited U.S. release on December 25, 2024, followed by a wider release on January 17, 2025.
