Get ready for an exciting musical journey as “Better Man,” the biographical film about British pop superstar Robbie Williams, arrives on Paramount+ tomorrow, March 11, 2025. This long-awaited biopic chronicles Williams’ meteoric rise to fame, his dramatic fall, and remarkable comeback in the music industry. The film has already generated buzz since its theatrical release last month.
Fans of Williams and music lovers alike will appreciate this intimate look at the life of one of pop’s most charismatic performers. The movie explores the highs and lows of his career, from his early days with Take That to his successful solo career and personal struggles. It offers viewers a unique perspective on the man behind the music.
What Is Better Man About?
Better Man tells the extraordinary, and at times surreal, story of Robbie Williams, one of the world’s most successful pop stars. Directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), this biopic offers an imaginative re-telling of Williams’ rise from boy band fame with Take That to global solo superstardom—and the personal demons he battled along the way.
What sets Better Man apart is its unique narrative twist: Robbie is portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee. According to Gracey and Williams himself, this bold choice reflects Robbie’s own struggles with self-image and fame. It’s a creative lens that brings humor, vulnerability, and raw honesty to his story.
Expect a blend of dazzling musical performances, flashbacks to his early days in Stoke-on-Trent, and candid depictions of his battles with addiction, anxiety, and self-doubt. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Better Man offers a heartfelt look at the cost of fame—and the redemptive power of music.
Who Stars in Better Man?
British actor Jonno Davies steps into the role of Robbie Williams, delivering a performance that balances charisma with emotional depth. Williams himself was heavily involved in the production, providing vocals and lending authenticity to the musical numbers.
The film also features a strong supporting cast:
- Steve Pemberton as Nigel Martin-Smith, Take That’s manager
- Damon Herriman as Robbie’s father, Pete Conway
- Kate Mulvany as Jan, Robbie’s mother
The combination of live-action performances and CGI makes for an unusual but compelling visual experience.
How Did Better Man Perform at the Box Office?
After premiering at the Telluride Film Festival in 2024, Better Man had a theatrical release in Australia and the UK, where Williams enjoys his biggest fanbase. Critics praised its inventive storytelling and musical sequences, although the film’s unusual artistic choices sparked plenty of conversation.
In the U.S., where Robbie Williams isn’t as widely known, the movie had a limited release and received mixed reactions. Some audiences were baffled by the CGI chimp concept, while others praised its daring originality.
Why You Should Watch Better Man on Paramount+
Whether you’re a longtime Robbie Williams fan or someone curious about his life, Better Man is worth the watch. Its bold creative decisions, paired with emotional honesty and sensational musical numbers, make it stand out from the typical musician biopic.
Streaming on Paramount+ starting March 11th, Better Man is an opportunity to see a pop icon’s life told like never before—blending fantasy and reality in a way that’s both entertaining and deeply personal.
How to Stream Better Man on Paramount+
Better Man will be available exclusively on Paramount+ starting March 11th, 2025. Here’s how you can watch:
- Sign up for Paramount+ if you’re not already a subscriber.
- Search for Better Man in the streaming library.
- Hit play and enjoy the wild, emotional ride through Robbie Williams’ life.
Paramount+ offers a free trial for new subscribers, so it’s a great chance to check out Better Man and explore other exclusive content.
Key Takeaways
- “Better Man,” the Robbie Williams biopic, starts streaming exclusively on Paramount+ on March 11, 2025.
- The film portrays Williams’ dramatic journey through fame, personal struggles, and his eventual comeback in the music industry.
- The Oscar-nominated musical biopic arrives on the streaming platform just one month after its theatrical release.
About the Biopic
“Better Man” is a fantasy musical biopic that chronicles the life and career of English singer Robbie Williams. The film uses innovative storytelling techniques, including representing Williams as a CGI chimpanzee.
The Making of ‘Better Man’
“Better Man” was directed by Michael Gracey, best known for his work on “The Greatest Showman.” Gracey took an unconventional approach to telling Williams’ story by portraying the singer as an anthropomorphic chimp throughout much of the film. This creative decision sparked curiosity among fans and critics alike.
The production faced several challenges, particularly with the complex CGI work needed to create the chimpanzee version of Williams. The film required extensive visual effects to bring this unique vision to life while maintaining an emotional connection with the audience.
Gracey worked closely with Williams during production to ensure the film captured both the highs and lows of the singer’s career with authenticity. Williams was heavily involved in the creative process, providing insights into key moments of his life.
Exploring the Plot
The biopic follows Robbie Williams’ journey from his early days with Take That to his successful solo career and personal struggles. It doesn’t shy away from depicting Williams’ battles with addiction and mental health issues.
The story explores pivotal moments in Williams’ career, including his departure from Take That, his record-breaking solo shows, and the creation of his biggest hits like “Angels” and “Rock DJ.”
What makes “Better Man” stand out is its fantasy elements. The decision to portray Williams as a chimpanzee serves as a metaphor for how the singer often felt like an outsider in the music industry and his struggle with fame.
The film also delves into Williams’ relationships, both personal and professional, that shaped his career and life choices.
Impact and Reception in the U.K. and Australia
“Better Man” received significant attention in the U.K. and Australia, where Williams has maintained strong fan bases throughout his career. The film’s unique approach divided critics but generally connected with audiences familiar with Williams’ work.
In the U.K., the biopic sparked renewed interest in Williams’ music catalog, with streaming numbers increasing following the theatrical release. Local entertainment news outlets provided extensive coverage of the premiere events across British cities.
Australian audiences also embraced the film, reflecting Williams’ enduring popularity in the country where he has performed numerous sold-out tours. The film’s Oscar nomination further elevated its profile internationally.
Critics praised the bold storytelling choices while noting the film’s honest portrayal of fame’s effects on mental health. Some viewers found the chimpanzee concept initially jarring but ultimately effective in conveying Williams’ feelings of alienation and self-image struggles.
Streaming and Availability
“Better Man,” the biographical musical film about Robbie Williams, will be available for streaming exclusively on Paramount+ starting March 11, 2025. This release comes after the film’s successful theatrical run and brings the story of the British pop star to audiences worldwide.
How to Watch on Paramount+
To watch “Better Man” on Paramount+, viewers need an active subscription to the streaming service. Paramount+ offers several subscription tiers, with options for monthly or annual billing. The service is accessible through web browsers, mobile apps, smart TVs, and streaming devices.
New subscribers can take advantage of the free trial period offered by Paramount+ to watch the film. The platform requires viewers to create an account and accept their cookie policy to use the service.
The film will be available in HD and, where supported, 4K streaming quality. Viewers can add the title to their watchlist ahead of release to receive a notification when it becomes available.
Understanding the Distribution
Paramount Pictures has chosen a global distribution strategy for “Better Man,” with the film hitting Paramount+ just one month after its theatrical release. This represents the studio’s ongoing commitment to shorter theatrical windows for certain titles.
The biopic, which chronicles Williams’ journey from his early days with Take That to his solo career, premiered first in Australia and the U.K. before expanding to other markets. This regional rollout strategy recognized Williams’ strongest fan bases.
The film features an innovative approach, with Williams portrayed through CGI rather than a traditional actor. This creative decision generated significant buzz during its theatrical run.
Paramount+ exclusive streaming rights mean the film won’t be available on other platforms in the near future. Regional availability may vary based on Paramount’s licensing agreements in different territories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s what many viewers want to know about the Robbie Williams biopic ‘Better Man’ before its Paramount+ debut. These questions cover everything from release dates to viewing options.
What is the release date for the Robbie Williams biopic, ‘Better Man’?
‘Better Man’ will be available on Paramount+ starting March 11, 2025. This comes after its digital release where it was available for purchase and rental on various platforms.
The film chronicles the life of British pop superstar Robbie Williams. Fans who can’t wait can currently rent or buy the digital version before its streaming debut.
Can I watch the ‘Better Man’ movie on Netflix?
No, ‘Better Man’ will not be available on Netflix. The film is distributed by Paramount Pictures and will stream exclusively on Paramount+.
Other streaming platforms have not announced plans to carry the film. Paramount+ subscription will be required to stream the biopic after its March 11 release.
What are the box office projections for ‘Better Man’?
Box office projections for ‘Better Man’ have been challenging to assess since Paramount stopped publishing box office numbers for the film in January 2025.
The film reportedly had a production budget of approximately $110 million. This investment has been considered risky by industry analysts, particularly given Williams’ limited fame outside the UK.
Where can I view the official trailer for ‘Better Man’?
The official trailer for ‘Better Man’ can be viewed on Paramount Pictures’ YouTube channel and official website. It’s also available on most major movie trailer platforms.
Some viewers have noted that the trailer might be confusing for those unfamiliar with Robbie Williams. The marketing approach has focused on visual storytelling rather than explaining Williams’ background.
Has ‘Better Man’ performed well critically and commercially?
The critical reception for ‘Better Man’ has been mixed. The film’s commercial performance has been difficult to gauge since Paramount stopped publishing box office figures.
Marketing challenges have impacted the film’s performance, especially in markets where Robbie Williams isn’t well known. The unique visual approach of the film has divided audience opinions.
What are some notable aspects of Robbie Williams’ financial success in relation to the film?
Robbie Williams’ career includes being one of the best-selling British artists of all time, having sold over 75 million records worldwide. This success made him an attractive subject for a biopic.
The $110 million budget for the film represents a significant investment in telling Williams’ story. His popularity varies greatly by region, with stronger recognition in the UK and Europe than in North America.
