- The musical adaptation of "Better Man" is in the works.
Robbie Williams is set to monkey around on stage in the future, thanks to an upcoming musical adaptation of his biopic "Better Man." Despite flopping at international box offices with just $20 million in earnings, critics adored the film, which scored nominations for prestigious awards like the Golden Globes, Oscars, and BAFTAs.
Just before the BAFTA awards on February 16, director and co-writer Michael Gracey (49) revealed that a stage production of "Better Man" was in the works for London's West End theater. Gracey also hinted at a Broadway run for the musical, aiming to conquer the U.S.
A Chimpanzee Tale
"Better Man" tells Robbie Williams' three-decade-long journey from Stoke-on-Trent to fame with boy band Take That and his successful solo career. The film takes an unconventional approach, depicting Williams as a chimpanzee using advanced computer technology and motion capture. This representation reflects Williams' own self-description as a "performing monkey."
Michael Gracey credits magic new tech for making this traveling monkey's act possible on stage. This technology will also be used in the upcoming theater adaptation of "Paddington." Gracing fans with tears, Gracey promises to recreate the same charming effect with "Better Man."
The Technology Behind the Magic
- CGI Portrayal: Advanced computer-generated imagery (CGI) transforms Robbie Williams into an anthropomorphic chimpanzee throughout the film, thanks to impressive new technology.
- Motion Capture: Actor Jonno Davies provides the motion capture for the CGI chimpanzee version of Robbie Williams, capturing his movements and expressions to create a dynamic and believable character.
- Voice Acting: Both Jonno Davies and Robbie Williams provide the voice for the CGI chimp, contributing to the film's authenticity.
- Choreography and Direction: The "Rock DJ" scene, for example, features meticulous choreography and direction that captures the energy and dynamism of Robbie Williams' career.
- Visual Effects: The visual effects team, including Wētā FX, ensures seamless interactions between the CGI character and live-action elements, resulting in a visually stunning musical biopic.
This unique blend of motion capture, voice acting, and advanced CGI revitalizes Robbie Williams' life story on the big screen, engaging audiences with a one-of-a-kind production.
After the film's success at awards ceremonies such as the Golden Globes and BAFTAS, Robbie Williams' biopic "Better Man" is set to make its transition to the stage. Michael Gracey, the director of "Better Man" and its stage adaptation, revealed that the chimpanzee character from the film will be added to the stage production, thanks to the same technology used in the film. This technology will also be utilized in the stage adaptation of "Paddington".