**Billy Joel Biopic ‘Billy and Me’ in the Pipeline Despite Lack of Official Approval**
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Music enthusiasts are set for a cinematic portrayal of famed singer-songwriter Billy Joel, with plans for a new biopic titled ‘Billy and Me’. The film, directed by John Ottman, best known for his editing work in the critically acclaimed Queen biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, will focus on Joel’s formative years leading up to his breakthrough hit single, “Piano Man”. The news, reported by *Variety*, revealed that shooting is set to commence this autumn, with casting currently underway.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the project, Joel himself has reportedly not endorsed the film. The “Uptown Girl” star has a history of cautioning against biographical interpretations of his life, having previously expressed reservations about a 2022 project entitled ‘Piano Man’, also aimed at chronicling his life and career without his approval. A representative for Joel did not provide a comment when approached by *PEOPLE* regarding this latest endeavour.
The narrative of ‘Billy and Me’ will unfold from the perspective of Irwin Mazur, Joel’s former manager, who was instrumental in launching the musician’s career before his ascent into stardom in 1973. The collaboration between Ottman and screenwriter Adam Ripp is based on the life rights of both Mazur and Jon Small, a long-time friend of Joel’s and former drummer.
Interestingly, there is a personal connection woven through the film’s narrative, as Small was previously married to Joel’s first wife, Elizabeth Weber. Small has expressed his belief that the film encapsulates an authentic glimpse into Joel’s early life, remarking that it is a “heartfelt, and authentic portrayal” of the artist’s journey. He stated, “As someone who was there from the very beginning, I can say this script captures not just the music, but the friendships, struggles, humour, and creative spark that defined those years.”
John Ottman also shared his views on the project, labelling it “a deeply emotional and fun story.” He expressed that the artistic aesthetics of the historical period appeal to him as a filmmaker, but emphasised that the essence of the film lies in its portrayal of human experiences.
Although Joel has continued to perform for his fans, he has been candid about recent health challenges. In May 2025, he revealed that he was receiving treatment for normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain condition. Regardless of the difficulties, Joel reassured his audience of his well-being, stating, “What I have is something very few people know about, including me, no matter how much you try to research it. I’m doing my best to work with it and to recover from it.”
Earlier this year, a two-part documentary showcasing Joel’s life titled ‘Billy Joel: And So It Goes’ aired on HBO, providing a retrospective look at his career and personal life. While ‘Billy and Me’ aims to tell a different angle of Joel’s life story, the musician has not been directly involved in the film’s creation.
As production gears up, the music world will be watching closely. While the absence of Joel’s blessing raises questions about the authenticity of the portrayal, Small’s involvement and personal connection to the story potentially adds depth to the narrative.
In the fast-evolving landscape of biographical films, ‘Billy and Me’ stands out as an intriguing project. As audiences await its arrival on the big screen, they are reminded of the complexities of translating a life as richly storied as Billy Joel’s into a cinematic experience. The filmmaker’s commitment to capturing the essence of the man’s journey suggests that the film may resonate strongly with those familiar with Joel’s legacy, even without his formal endorsement.
With the film set to explore not only the musical notes but also the friendships and struggles that shaped Joel, hopes are high for a compelling tribute to one of music’s great icons.