Billy Joel's Team Blocks Unauthorized Biopic, Warns Film Cannot Obtain Music Rights

A representative for Billy Joel has pushed back forcefully against an in-development biopic, making clear that the 77-year-old musician has neither approved nor backed the film in any way.

Director John Ottman and screenwriter Adam Ripp are behind Billy & Me, which is slated to begin production this fall. The project follows a 2022 effort titled Piano Man that Ripp had been developing with Michael Jai White's Jaigantic Studios.

Following the announcement of the new film, Joel's camp wasted no time in issuing a statement. "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 representative told People.

The statement 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."

The film will center on Irwin Mazur, the manager instrumental in steering Joel's career during the period leading up to his landmark 1973 single "Piano Man." Ottman and Ripp have already obtained exclusive life rights from Mazur, as well as from Jon Small, a longtime associate of Joel's who has worked as his drummer and video director. Small is set to serve as consultant, co-executive producer, and second unit director on the project.

The production is currently in its casting phase, with filming planned for locations in Winnipeg, Canada and New York.