Robbie Williams’ biopic lost ‘millions of dollars’ when Queen Elizabeth II died, the director has revealed. 

Better Man, which is set for release on December 26, has been in the works with 2021 with Michael Gracey being forced to pull an elaborate scene at last minute after the monarch’s death. 

The director had arranged to have London’s Regent Street closed down for four nights so he could film a musical number. 

However, permits were pulled due to an official period of mourning in September 2022 and insurers refused to cover the costs.

Michael told Britain’s HELLO! magazine: ‘On the Friday we were feeling very buoyant, because the first night of filming was Sunday night, and we got a call from the Crown Estate to tell us that the queen had just died and we wouldn’t be shooting because there’s 10 days of mourning.’ 

Robbie Williams ‘ biopic lost ‘millions of dollars’ when Queen Elizabeth II died, the director has revealed (Robbie and director Michael Gracey pictured in May 2023)

Better Man, which is set for release on December 26, has been in the works with 2021 with Michael Gracey being forced to pull an elaborate scene at last minute

He continued: ‘So we lost all of the money. There’s no insurance for the death of the queen. It’s civil authority that shuts you down with the death of the queen, and after COVID, civil authority was capped at 250 grand payouts.

‘So we lost millions of dollars, and it took another five months to get back on that street, and we had to raise the money again. And every time I watch it, I think people have no idea how close we came to that not being in the film.’

The Greatest Showman filmmaker explained that securing the permits in the first place was no easy task, but Robbie’s star power helped to seal the deal.

In pH๏τographs shared of the filming, the cast finally embarked on a huge energetic dance scene on Regent Street, last year.  

The outfits were reminiscent of the band’s ensembles for the Brit Awards in 1994, where they played a Beatles Medley on stage.

Robbie appeared as a CGI monkey as the new trailer for his upcoming ‘fantastical’ biopic, which dropped last month. 

The first look clip, sees singer-songwriter, 50, played by actor Jonno Davies, through his life from school to the stage as his hit track, Let Me Entertain You, plays in the background.

In the voiceover, he explains: ‘I know what you’re thinking. What’s with the monkey. I’m one of the biggest popstars in the world. But, I’ve always seen myself as a little less evolved.’

The director had arranged to have London’s Regent Street closed down for four nights so he could film a musical number but permits were pulled due to an official period of mourning

‘So we lost millions of dollars, and it took another five months to get back on that street, and we had to raise the money again,’ he said  

The first look clip, sees Robbie, played by actor Jonno Davies, through his life from school to the stage as his hit track, Let Me Entertain You, plays in the background

While Jonno, takes on the role of younger Robbie, the singer is heard in the voiceover and later plays the older version of himself. 

From Greatest Showman director, Michael, it also stars Jake Simmance as Gary Barlow, Liam Head as Mark Owen, Jesse Hyde as Howard Donald and Chase Vollenweider as Jason Orange. 

The official synopsis reads: ‘Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. 

‘Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (‘The Greatest Showman’), the film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. 

‘It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.’