Principal photography has commenced on Better Man, the highly anticipated musical feature film based on the life of Robbie Williams, with Australian filmmaker Michael Gracey at the helm. Gracey’s debut film, The Greatest Showman, is one of cinema’s most successful live-action musicals with over $435M at the global box office.

The project marks Williams’ feature film debut as he stars as himself alongside rising star from the UK, Jonno Davies (Hunters, Kingsman: The Secret Service), who plays Robbie Williams throughout his younger adult life, with British stage and screen veterans Steve Pemberton (Inside No. 9, Killing Eve) and Alison Steadman (The Kings Man, Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse). The film’s Australian cast includes Damon Herriman (Judy & Punch, The Tourist), Kate Mulvany (Hunters, Elvis) and Anthony Hayes (War Machine, The Light Between Oceans).

Currently filming in Melbourne, Australia, Better Man is an introspective look at the rise, fall and resurrection of UK superstar Robbie Williams, one of the bestselling artists of all time. From his humble upbringing in Stoke-On-Trent, England, Williams was catapulted to fame in the early nineties at the tender age of fifteen, as a founding member of the era’s biggest British boy band. The singer found further success as a solo artist, with 11 out of 12 of his studio albums charting number one in the UK.

Better Man aims to give audiences a powerful and unique insight into how Williams sees himself and the demons he has battled both on and off stage. Gracey will bring light to the incredible highs and lows of a rock star’s journey by satirizing moments inspired by the artist’s life story. The fantastical musical will be filled with reimagined versions of Williams’ hit music, dancing, and spectacular sets melded with stunning visual effects created by the award-winning team at Weta FX.

International sales is being handled by Rocket Science. Roadshow Films will manage distribution in Australia and New Zealand.

Gracey is represented by CAA, Partizan, and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof & Fishman, LLP. Williams is represented by CAA and ie:music ltd. Davies is represented by Denton  Brierley, The Gersh Agency, Alan Siegel Entertainment and attorney Lucy Popkin.

Photo credit - Ben King Photographer