Robbie Williams’ “Better Man” has commenced principal photography in Melbourne.
The film is billed as a satirical musical based on the life of the pop star.
Williams appears in the film as himself, with Jonno Davies (“Hunters” and “Kingsman: The Secret Service”) playing the singer in his younger adult life.
Other cast members include Steve Pemberton (“Inside No. 9” and “Killing Eve”) and Alison Steadman (“The Kings Man” and “Roald and Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse”), as well as Australia’s Damon Herriman (“Judy and Punch” and “The Tourist”), Kate Mulvany (“Hunters” and “Elvis“) and Anthony Hayes (“War Machine” and “The Light Between Oceans”).
“Better Man” is being helmed by Australian filmmaker Michael Gracy whose debut film “The Greatest Showman”, starring Hugh Jackman, took $435 million at the global box office.
The film will track Williams’ rise, fall and resurrection including being catapulted to fame at 15 in the early ’90s as part of boy band Take That and the subsequent 11 solo studio albums which charted at No.1 in the UK.
Publicity for the film said it was an introspective look at one of the bestselling artists of all time.
“‘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 the stage,” a note about the film said.
“Gracey will bring light to the incredible highs and lows of a rock star’s journey by satirising 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 are being handled by Rocket Science.
