Better Man director Michael Gracey on making a monkey out of Robbie Williams for his new biopic When Hugh Jackman began to get cold feet about starring in The Greatest Showman, the film’s director Michael Gracey knew that only one person could save it: Robbie Williams.
“I knew I wouldn’t be able to convince Hugh, but I was hoping Rob would.” Through tenuous connections he arranged a meeting and played Williams the whole score in the studio of the singer’s LA home.
Preparing to play showman PT Barnum, Jackman’s “north star” was the former Take That member, Gracey says.
“Rob was his go to; I don’t know why… to the point of annoyance.” But then Jackman started questioning the original music score, threatening the whole project.
Seven years on, Gracey has made a film about Williams himself with an extraordinary twist.
