First pictures: Robbie Williams biopic Better Man filming in Melbourne

Filming is under way on the Robbie Williams biopic Better Man, and Aussie actors are playing three of the singer’s Take That bandmates. SEE IMAGES FROM THE SET

Before Harry Styles, there was Robbie Williams. And those who weren’t part of the “Robbie era” are set to learn about the 1990s British heart-throb when Williams’ hugely anticipated biopic, Better Man, comes to the big screen.

The production is well on track, with filming under way in Melbourne under a strict security bubble.

Williams, who rose to fame with boy band sensation Take That before his hugely successful solo career, had not been seen in public since he arrived in Melbourne on April 14 but was finally spotted performing on Saturday night.

The cast of the film has been closely guarded.

However, The Sunday Telegraph has obtained exclusive images of the lead actors at work in Melbourne.

Robbie Williams will sing every song in the movie. Picture: Getty Images

The four actors playing the other members of Take That could be seen sporting “horny devil” costumes.

The film will follow Williams’ rise from working-class roots to stadium-filling stardom, and his battles with drugs, alcohol and mental health. Australian Michael Gracey has co-written and will direct the biopic.

On set in Melbourne

VIEW GALLERY

Australian actor, singer and dancer Liam Head is tipped to play bandmate Howard Donald, while fellow Aussies Jesse Hyde and Chase Vollenweider take on the Mark Owen and Jason Orange roles.

British actor Jake Simmance, star of Netflix hit series Anatomy Of A Scandal, is tipped to round out the band as Gary Barlow.

Williams will sing every song but it has been reported he will be played in the film by a computer-generated monkey.

Pictures from the set show adolescents and adults in CGI attire, which is perhaps why it is reportedly costing $100 million to make.

The original members of Take That (bottom line), and the actors who will play them in Williams’ biopic Better Man.

Actor Jesse Hyde, playings Mark Owen, during filming in Melbourne. Picture: MEDIA MODE

Actor Chase Vollenweider, playing Jason Orange, during filming in Melbourne. Picture: MEDIA MODE

Liam Head playing Howard Donald. Picture: MEDIA MODE

Actor Jake Simmance, playing Gary Balow. Picture: MEDIA MODE

Filming of Better Man in Melbourne on Saturday. Picture: Picture: MEDIA MODE

On Saturday night Williams performed a greatest hits set in Melbourne.

He is set to appear in another show on Sunday to re-create his performance at the 1998 Brit Awards.

Media photographers are banned but the audience are allowed to bring their phones, so photos and videos are expected to be posted to social media.

Got a news or entertainment tip? Email [e-mail]

Originally published as First pictures: Robbie Williams biopic Better Man filming in Melbourne