Why Robbie Williams couldn't crack America as new biopic fails to impress US audience
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Robbie Williams has built a glittering music career here in the UK, both as a solo artist and alongside his former Take That bandmates. Yet despite 14 number one albums, a net worth estimated at £150m and 18 Brits Awards to his name, it seems Robbie has failed to make an impact in the US.
As the singer's new biopic was released on Boxing Day, it's highlighted that the Angels singer is relatively unknown in America compared to his recognisable fame here in the UK. His new film, Better Man, sees Robbie being portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee, with Jonno Davies acting the movements of the chimp.
Yet the biopic hasn't quite been a big hit in the US with American film fans left confused over who Robbie is, and why he's a monkey in the new release. With US fans giving poor reviews of Better Man, it's disappointing after director Michael Gracey previously said he hoped the film would be a hit with the US. A source told The Mirror in 2022: "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.".
During his career, Robbie did try to emulate his musical success in the US after building up a huge career in the UK. His first try at cracking the US music market came three years after he launched his solo career, when in 1999 he signed with Capitol Records with the bid to be a hit in America.
