How I Became Robbie Williams' Chimpanzee: Jonno Davies' Extraordinary Journey to Playing His Childhood Hero

In 2001, nine-year-old Jonno Davies stood in the crowd at the Milton Keynes Bowl, watching his childhood hero, Robbie Williams, perform for 65,000 people. Williams, who was the epitome of cool for the young Davies, became a symbol of rockstar greatness that he admired deeply. Fast forward to 2024, and Davies is no longer just an audience member; he is now playing Robbie Williams in Better Man, a musical biopic that chronicles the life of the iconic musician. But in a twist that only Hollywood could pull off, Davies portrays Williams as a computer-generated chimpanzee.

Becoming the Lead in Better Man: From Fan to Lead Actor

Davies, now 32, never expected that his life would come full circle in this extraordinary way. "He was just this symbol of cool, and that stuck with me for a long time," Davies recalls. But when he was cast to play his idol, he had no idea that his transformation would involve not only embodying Williams' voice and mannerisms but also becoming a CGI chimpanzee.

Under the direction of Michael Gracey, famous for The Greatest Showman, the decision to represent Williams as a chimpanzee came after the singer himself likened his life to that of a "performing monkey." This led to Davies being placed in a motion capture suit on set, where he would physically recreate Williams' movements, which would later be transformed by Weta FX-the same company that brought Gollum to life in The Lord of the Rings.

A Full Transformation: Motion Capture and CGI

Jonno Davies describes his role as "playing Rob from the age of 15 right the way through to the end of the film... It's full body, voice, dancing - the whole shebang." His portrayal of Robbie Williams is far beyond what traditional biographical portrayals usually entail. Instead of simply mimicking his idol's mannerisms, Davies becomes Williams, through motion capture and advanced CGI techniques, to the point where the character is no longer human, but a chimpanzee.

On-screen, the audience is invited to suspend disbelief, embracing the visual transformation and the artistic decision to depict Williams as a primate. "It meant I didn't have to be vain," Davies shares. "I wasn't looking at the monitor going 'Oh god, the double chin'... it was just about being truthful to the storyline." Davies doesn't even appear on screen for most of the film, except for a brief split second at the end, making his portrayal a unique, behind-the-scenes triumph of technology and performance.

The Pressure of Playing His Idol

Although Davies was cast just a week before production began, the pressure of stepping into Williams' shoes-and paws-was immense. He had been performing at children's parties as PT Barnum when he received the call for the audition. He admits that upon hearing the news, the overwhelming sense of responsibility made him question his abilities. "They're gonna actually find out that I'm rubbish," he recalls. "And all this time I've just been sort of lucking through it." But this sense of self-doubt was not unlike the feelings Williams himself struggles with in the film, creating a powerful connection for Davies as he delved deeper into the role.

From Stage to Screen: Recreating Iconic Performances

One of the pivotal moments for Davies in his journey to portraying Robbie Williams was the moment he came face-to-face with the man himself. In 2022, while rehearsing for a scene at the Royal Albert Hall, Williams was in the audience. "I was about to sing, and in he steps, plonks himself in the middle of the front row," Davies recalls. "I probably did mess it up because my voice was going and my knees were buckling," he admits. But Williams, ever the gracious mentor, assured Davies he had done a fantastic job.

In fact, Williams praised the actor, calling him a "fantastic human being" and expressing how strange and surreal it was to watch someone perform his own life. "He's amazing," Williams adds, further solidifying the bond between them.

The Legacy of Robbie Williams in Better Man

Better Man is not just about Robbie Williams' career; it also explores the personal struggles behind the fame, including the vulnerabilities that many fans don't see. As Davies points out, the film shows a side of Williams that is "vulnerable and scared of fame," which brings an emotional depth to the film, especially for those who grew up idolizing the pop star. The film's exploration of these challenges makes it more than just a celebration of Williams' success-it's an intimate portrait of a man grappling with the pressures of stardom.

A Full Circle Moment: Returning to Bedford School

For Davies, playing his childhood hero also allowed him to reflect on the journey that led him to acting in the first place. Growing up in Milton Keynes and attending Bedford School, he credits his time there with shaping his career. It was at Bedford School that Davies first considered acting seriously. "If it wasn't for Bedford School, I don't think I would've become an actor," he admits. The school's drama teacher encouraged him to pursue his passion for acting, an opportunity he embraced fully, leading to a career that brought him to Better Man.

Now, Davies enjoys returning to Bedford School, where he has made lasting connections and even contributes by teaching students acting techniques. "Anything I feel that I can learn, I'd love to pass on to them," he says, showing his commitment to helping the next generation of actors and performers.

Life's Strange and Wonderful Circles

From being a starstruck nine-year-old at Milton Keynes Bowl to playing Robbie Williams as a CGI chimpanzee in Better Man, Jonno Davies' journey is one of incredible twists and turns. His story is a testament to the strange and wonderful circles life can take, and how sometimes, the most unexpected experiences-like portraying an iconic musician as a monkey-can be the most rewarding. With praise from Robbie Williams himself and a remarkable performance that blends technology, voice work, and emotional depth, Davies has truly become a star in his own right.