An unauthorized Billy Joel biopic is in the works – even though his team has made it very clear they want nothing to do with it.
Billy Joel Biopic
According to Variety, Billy and Me, a feature film from director John Ottman and screenwriter Adam Ripp, is scheduled to begin shooting this fall. The project has been floating around for years. Back in 2022, Ripp and Michael Jai White’s Jaigantic Studios were developing a Joel film titled Piano Man.
But now the movie has resurfaced with a new title, a new angle, and the same major problem: Billy Joel hasn’t signed off on any of it.
Joel Hasn’t Signed Off
A representative for the 77‑year‑old music legend issued a blistering statement to PEOPLE. They shut down any suggestion that the film has his cooperation.
The rep said, “Since 2021, the parties involved have been officially notified that they do not possess Billy Joel’s life rights and will not be able to secure the music rights required for this project.”
The statement went even further, stressing that Joel has zero involvement and does not support the film in any way.
It continued, “[He] has not authorized or supported this project in any capacity, and any attempt to move forward without it would be both legally and professionally misguided.”
Ottman Forging Ahead
Despite the warning, Ottman – best known as the Oscar‑winning editor behind Bohemian Rhapsody – appears to be forging ahead.
His recent work includes the underscore for Michael, the Antoine Fuqua‑directed Michael Jackson biopic, which is a box office smash.
But there’s a massive twist: Billy and Me isn’t actually told from Joel’s perspective.
Instead, the film centers on Irwin Mazur, Joel’s early‑career manager. Mazur guided Joel in the years leading up to his 1973 breakthrough hit Piano Man. Ottman and Ripp reportedly hold the exclusive life rights to Mazur and drummer Jon Small. Small is also said to be involved in the film. Small’s connection to Joel runs deep – Joel’s first wife, Elizabeth Weber, was previously married to Small.
That tangled personal history alone could make for a juicy film. However, without Joel’s music or blessing, questions will be raised about what kind of biopic this can realistically be.