Robbie Williams is a singing monkey in the teaser for the biopic “Better Man.”

Robbie Williams will star in a biopic about his own life, with an unusual twist: Instead of appearing on screen as himself, he will instead lend his singing voice to a CGI monkey.

The teaser trailer for Better man The film was released on Tuesday and billed itself as the “true story” behind Williams' life and career, except that it starred a primate. “I’m Robbie Williams. I'm one of the biggest pop stars in the world. But I always saw myself as a little less… developed,” the singer explains via voiceover in the trailer.

The monkey itself is largely voiced by actor Jonno Davies and captured in motion, with Williams providing singing voice.

“Better man “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,” Paramount Pictures said in a synopsis.

“The film is uniquely told from Robbie’s perspective and captures his trademark wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie's journey from childhood, to his role as the youngest member of the successful boy band Take That, to his unprecedented success as a record-breaking solo artist – all while facing the challenges that horrendous fame and success can bring.”

In a new featurette that accompanied the teaser, Williams and director Michael Gracey explained the decision to have Williams' life story portrayed by a monkey on the big screen:

According to Gracey, he asked Williams, “If you were an animal, how would you see yourself?” In your own words, you are referring to being dragged on stage to perform like a monkey. The thought immediately occurred to me to portray you not as we see you, but as you see yourself… With your voice and that monkey, I will see you and identify with you in a way that is more captivating than every other musical biopic.”

Better man arrives in the US for a limited engagement starting on Christmas Day, with a wider release starting January 17th.