Billy Joel Doesn’t Want You to See the Billy Joel Biopic
Billy Joel has publicly disowned the upcoming biopic titled 'Billy and Me,' which dramatizes his early life. The film, told from the perspective of his first manager, has not received Joel's authorization or support. Despite this, casting is underway with involvement from Joel's former drummer, who believes the script captures the essence of Joel's early years.
- ▪Billy Joel has not authorized or supported the film 'Billy and Me.'
- ▪The film is based on the life rights of Joel's first manager, Irwin Mazur.
- ▪Casting for the film is currently in progress, with input from Joel's former drummer.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
NewsBilly Joel Doesn’t Want You to See the Billy Joel BiopicThe “legally and professionally misguided” Billy and Me will feature none of the singer’s musicBy Jazz MonroeMay 20, 2026Billy Joel, 1978 (Getty Images)Save StorySave this storySave StorySave this storyBilly Joel has disowned Billy and Me, a new film dramatizing his life in the years before his superhit “Piano Man.” Told from the perspective of Joel’s first manager, Irwin Mazur—whose own life rights provide the basis for much of the screenplay—the feature is directed by John Ottman, a composer and editor whose credits include The Usual Suspects, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Michael. The makers of Billy and Me have been trying to secure the rights to Joel’s life since 2021, a representative for the singer-pianist told Variety.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Pitchfork.
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