Billy Joel’s Representatives Denounce Unauthorized Biopic Project

A new film project about the early life of singer-songwriter Billy Joel is moving forward without the artist's approval, prompting a strong public rebuke from his representatives. The biopic, titled "Billy and Me" in some reports and "Billy Me" in others, is being directed by John Ottman, with a screenplay by Adam Ripp. Production is reportedly scheduled to begin in the fall of 2026, with filming expected to take place in Canada and New York.

In a statement issued this week, a spokesperson for Joel said the artist has not authorized the project and considers it problematic. The statement, provided to multiple outlets, reads that 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. It concludes that any attempt to move forward would be both legally and professionally misguided.

The filmmakers have secured the life rights of Irwin Mazur, Joel’s first manager, and Jon Small, a longtime friend and former bandmate of Joel’s. The film is described as an origin story focusing on Joel’s formative years before his rise to fame, told primarily from Mazur’s...