"Better Man" Trailer: Robbie Williams Biopic Features a Singing Monkey as the Protagonist in the New Musical Film from "The Greatest Showman" Director

 Robbie Williams fans are in for a wild ride with the trailer for Better Man—and we mean that literally.

Paramount has unveiled the first trailer for the musical biopic directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman. The film features a CGI monkey as a stand-in for the iconic British pop star—yes, you read that right.

“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 as a bit less evolved,” Williams narrates in the trailer. While it appears to follow the typical format of a musical biopic about a superstar, every scene featuring Williams is hilariously replaced by a monkey reminiscent of those from Planet of the Apes.

The trailer provides a glimpse into Williams' early life, showcasing his childhood and soccer-playing days with a monkey dressed in clothes. It also highlights his electrifying performances in front of ecstatic crowds, but again, it's a screeching ape with a tongue-lolling grin and oversized teeth.

The official logline reads: “‘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. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood to becoming the youngest member of the chart-topping boyband Take That, and onto his record-breaking achievements as a solo artist, all while confronting the challenges that accompany stratospheric fame and success.”

The cast includes Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvaney, Frazer Hadfield, Tom Budge, and Anthony Hayes, with Jonno Davies portraying the monkey version of Williams.

Better Man was penned by Gracey, Simon Gleeson, and Oliver Cole, with an extensive list of executive producers that includes Williams himself and many others.