Take that, Melbourne, Robbie Williams is on his way

The British pop superstar is heading to the Docklands for a major project and says there will be a chance to work alongside him.

Robbie Williams is heading to Melbourne soon to shoot his biopic, Better Man. Picture: Supplied.

British pop star Robbie Williams says he’s excited about travelling to Melbourne soon to start work on his biopic.

The movie, Better Man, with Williams in the title role, and directed by Melbourne film maker Michael Gracey, will begin shooting in January.

“I want to say how excited I am to be making this movie in Victoria,” Williams said. “Keep your eyes peeled over the coming weeks as there might be an opportunity to see me in Melbourne and be part of the movie. Come on!”

Better Man will be shot at Dockland Studios, and is expected to inject $107 million into the state economy. The film will create 2200 local jobs, and include a call out for 2700 extras for crowd and concert scenes.

Robbie Williams is heading to Melbourne. Picture: Supplied/Sony

His film will begin shooting in January. Picture: Supplied/Sony

Location scouts are scouring Victoria for landmarks resembling London and Manchester, where most of Williams’ story takes place.

Gracey, who co-wrote Better Man, said: “To tell Robbie William’s beautiful, distinct story, back home, in my own city, is a dream come true.

“There is a creative energy that burns across the Melbourne film industry, and I know this movie will thrive here.”

Mr Gracey’s film credits include the Hugh Jackman blockbuster, The Greatest Showman.

The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments have backed the project with financial support and incentives.

Big budget titles including Clickbait and La Brea have also filmed in Melbourne recently.

Victoria’s Creative Industries Minister Danny Pearson said: “Better Man will further showcase our world-class talent, crew and locations.”

Federal Arts Minister Paul Fletcher added: “The decision to film Better Man in Victoria is a great testament to the enduring status of Australia as a destination for large scale film production.”

Williams started his career in the boy band Take That before hitting his stride as a solo artist. His hits include Angels, Let Me Entertain You, Rock DJ and Feel.

Better Man will study the highs and lows of Williams’ career, including the drink and drug demons that threatened to derail his success.

Earlier this year, Gracey told film website Deadline: “Robbie is that Everyman, who just dreamed big and followed those dreams and they took him to an incredible place. He’s not the best singer, or dancer, and yet, he managed to sell 80 million records worldwide.”

It is believed CGI will make Williams appear younger during the film’s early career chapters.

Gracey said Williams will re-sing his hits “for the emotion of the moment” in the movie.