When it comes to transformations, few artists have been as bold as Robbie Williams. The British pop icon, a founding member of the ‘90s sensation Take That and a prolific solo artist, has evolved constantly over the decades, both musically and personally. But his latest evolution might just be his wildest yet.
In the newly released trailer for Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey of The Greatest Showman fame, Robbie Williams isn’t just telling his life story—he’s taking on a whole new shape. For real: one of the UK’s biggest pop stars portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s a unique reflection of his journey through fame, struggle, and self-discovery.
Behind the Bold Transformation: Why a Chimpanzee?
“This is my story. But I’m not going to tell it in an ordinary way, because I don’t see myself how others see me,” Williams says in the trailer. This unorthodox choice of a chimp is more than shock value. It’s a metaphor, symbolizing Williams’s journey as someone who’s often felt a bit “less evolved,” as he puts it, than the polished pop image projected onto him.
The film, premiering in select theaters on December 25 and rolling out everywhere on January 17, promises to dive deep into the highs and lows that have defined Robbie Williams’s life. From his meteoric rise to his struggles with addiction and mental health, Better Man doesn’t shy away from the gritty reality behind the fame.
Robbie Williams: A Journey Through Reinvention
For fans who’ve followed Robbie since his Take That days, it’s clear that he’s never been one to shy away from reinvention. Robbie broke out from the British pop group in the mid-90s, launching a solo career that skyrocketed him to global fame. His hits, from Angels to Rock DJ, made him an icon, but the pressure and temptations that came with his fame weren’t easy.
Throughout the years, Williams has been open about his struggles, from addiction to issues with self-image. Better Man uses his voice and CGI performance to showcase how Robbie saw himself—fierce, a little wild, and unapologetically authentic. This authenticity has always been a part of Robbie’s charm and why his fans continue to follow him, no matter what new shape his career takes.
It’s not every day a pop star is willing to show himself as raw and unpolished, and that’s exactly what makes Robbie Williams so compelling. At Daily Grind Beard Co., we believe in that same kind of evolution—constantly pushing forward, refining our look, and staying true to who we are. Your beard journey can be the same; it’s about making a statement, keeping it real, and showing up exactly as you want to be seen.
If you're looking for ways to refine your style, check out our beard oils collection for a polished look or our Beard Balms to add some edge to your everyday beard routine.
"Better Man" Trailer: What You Can Expect
The trailer for Better Man doesn’t hold back. You see Robbie on stage, pumping up a massive crowd, but this time, it’s through the eyes of a chimp. It’s humorous and reflective, a visual representation of his journey from the wild early years of his fame to the more mature, reflective artist he’s become. Watch the full trailer here.
Maverick Beard Oil $16.99
"To be honest, I've always been a little less evolved," Williams jokes in the trailer. The line encapsulates a lot about Robbie’s self-image—an entertainer who’s never felt the need to pretend to be someone he’s not. Even as he struggled, he was real with his fans about the toll of fame and the price of constantly being in the spotlight.
A Deeper Look at Robbie’s Legacy
Williams’s journey hasn’t just been about making hits; it’s been about staying true to himself. Whether he’s been dealing with the pressure of his career or navigating mental health battles, Robbie has always been open with his fans. And that’s something few celebrities do.
Robbie has reunited with Take That multiple times, but his solo career has always been his biggest statement of individuality. He’s been outspoken about how fame challenged his mental health, with Better Man set to reveal even more of that personal side. “Do I look like a pop star to you?” he asks in the trailer, revealing the disconnect he’s often felt between his public persona and his true self.
That’s a question we can all relate to, right? The struggle between the person you are and the one you present to the world. At Daily Grind Beard Co., we get it. It’s why we offer products that help you define your style on your terms. From beard balms to oils, we’re here to help you craft the look that feels the most you.
The Making of "Better Man" and Its Unique Visual Style
Directed by Michael Gracey, the visionary behind The Greatest Showman, Better Man takes a risk by having Robbie Williams portrayed through CGI motion capture as a chimpanzee. Voiced by actor Jonno Davies and with Williams himself lending his voice to certain scenes, the movie uses advanced technology to capture Williams’s life in an unusual, metaphorical way.
This decision to show Robbie as a chimpanzee wasn’t just a creative leap; it’s rooted in how Williams saw himself. He felt that a chimp represented his journey better than anything else, symbolizing his battles, his rawness, and his resilience. In his words, it was the animal he most connected with on a personal level.
And isn’t that what finding your style is about? Connecting with something that truly reflects you? Robbie chose a chimp to represent his journey. What are you choosing to represent yours? Whether it’s a bold beard style or something low-key, you can find that connection in our beard care collections to create a look that’s unmistakably you.