A biopic focusing on the early life of renowned musician Billy Joel is in development, but Joel himself is distancing from the project, describing it as “both legally and professionally misguided.” The film, titled Billy & Me, is directed by John Ottman, who recently edited Michael, with a screenplay by Adam Ripp. They have obtained life rights from Billy Joel’s former manager, Irwin Mazur, and his friend Jon Small, yet Joel has stated that they do not have his rights for this film.
Joel’s representative confirmed that since 2021, the filmmakers have been warned they lack the necessary rights, including music rights. The representative stressed that Joel has not supported the project in any way, and advancing without his consent would be problematic.
It’s uncertain if Ottman’s intention was always to create an unauthorized biopic or if he initially sought Joel’s approval. Ottman has contributed to notable biopics, including the award-winning Bohemian Rhapsody.
In response to inquiries, Ripp clarified that Billy & Me is not a conventional biopic spanning Joel’s entire life, nor does it rely on his music. The story focuses on Joel’s formative years before his fame, highlighting his experience performing cover songs with The Hassles and his search for identity as a young musician.
Ripp added that they do not claim rights to Joel’s original music and have shaped the project as an intimate origin story. The film will be told mainly through the perspective of Irwin Mazur, who discovered Joel. Jon Small, Joel’s lifelong friend and drummer, is also involved as a consultant and co-executive producer, lending his endorsement to the film.
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