Robbie Williams could be set to conquer America for the first time, with a biopic of his life.
Despite huge success in Europe and Asia, the singer has found the US market difficult to crack.
But Hollywood bosses have high hopes a big-budget film about him will prove a massive hit like Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman – the stories of fellow top UK acts Queen and Elton John.
A source said: “Early indications are that it may really cut through to US audiences, not least as the people in place on it have such pedigree.
“Movie chiefs think the script – essentially a stirring story about an underdog catapulted to fame – will really resonate with people, even those in America who may not know much about Robbie himself.”
The film is being directed by Michael Gracey, whose movie The Greatest Showman – about the life of circus founder P.T. Barnum – was a global hit. He was also an executive producer on Rocketman.
Robbie, 47 – whose hits include Angels, Let Me Entertain You and Millennium – is expected to app-
ear as himself in the biopic, which will tell of his rise to fame with Take That and a successful solo career.
He says the movie, called Better Man after one of his songs, will be “warts and all” and not be afraid to address issues such as addiction. He told this week how he poured his heart out to Gracey for hours then “ran away and hid behind a sofa”.
Robbie said: “I’m not scared to portray myself with human characteristics some would see as villain-
ous. Hopefully the tale will explain who, what and why I am.”
He said in another interview: “For a narcissist it’s a wonderful project because it’s all about me and my life. The film is the juicy bits before I lost my testosterone.”
Gracey said he believes the film can bring Robbie fame in the US.
