Overview
- Industry outlets reported this week that a film titled Billy & Me is in development with John Ottman attached to direct, Adam Ripp as screenwriter, and Jon Small advising or producing.
- Billy Joel's representative told publications that the artist has not authorized or supported the project and that parties were warned in 2021 they do not hold rights to his life story or his music.
- The production team has framed the story to be told from the point of view of Joel's first manager, Irwin Mazur, a choice the filmmakers say addresses rights limits on portraying Joel directly.
- Producers are reported to be casting and planning principal photography in fall 2026 in Winnipeg and New York, but the lack of musical rights could force the film to use covers, sound‑alikes, or rely on non‑musical drama.
- The dispute leaves the project's legal and commercial viability uncertain and sets up a likely contest over storytelling choices, use of Joel's catalogue, and whether the production can proceed without formal authorization.