Robbie Williams’ Biopic Flops in the U.S.

Robbie Williams’ new film, Better Man, has struggled to attract audiences stateside, earning just $1.1 million from a hefty $110 million budget. Despite its popularity in the U.K., the movie’s U.S. debut quickly fizzled, leaving many baffled about how a British pop legend could fail to strike gold on the big screen across the pond.

Directed by The Greatest Showman’s Michael Gracey, the project blends live action with a rather offbeat twist—casting a CGI monkey to portray Williams at certain points. While some fans were intrigued, this creative choice didn’t convert casual moviegoers into ticket buyers. Industry analysts say the film’s heavy focus on British pop culture also hindered its crossover appeal.

Back home, Better Man made a more respectable showing, opening with £1.5 million and inching close to £4 million overall. Yet for a star with global hits, the disappointment in the U.S. market reinforces a long-standing theme: Williams has never fully cracked America.

Observers wonder if streaming or international deals might salvage the movie’s fortunes. For now, it remains a cautionary tale that huge budgets and nostalgia don’t always translate into a box-office win—especially when audiences aren’t sure who the star is or why they should care.