Michael Gracey (born 1976, Melbourne) is an Australian director, screenwriter and producer best known for the musical The Greatest Showman (2017), which overcame a sluggish opening to gross over $435 million worldwide. His follow-up, Better Man (2024), told the life story of Robbie Williams through the unconventional device of a CGI chimpanzee. Before features, Gracey built his reputation in visual effects, music videos and advertising.
Filming of the live-action Tangled remake for Disney began in June 2026 in Spain and Great Britain; Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim star as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, respectively.
Disney confirmed in January 2026 the casting of the live-action Tangled: Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider, with Gracey remaining as director.
Gracey confirmed at a masterclass at the Italian Marateale festival that his theatrical musical about Luciano Pavarotti for Broadway is still in development and he holds rights from the Pavarotti family.
The biographical film Better Man about Robbie Williams, in which the singer is portrayed by a CGI chimpanzee, had its American premiere on December 25, 2024, distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Better Man had its world premiere at the Telluride festival in August 2024 and was filmed with a budget of 110 million dollars.
