A new biopic chronicling the formative years of Billy Joel is officially in development, with editor and director John Ottman helming the project. Titled Billy & Me, the film will explore the singer-songwriter’s early years before his rise to fame in the 1970s. However, Billy’s spokesperson said that the singer has not authorised the project.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, the rep shared, “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. Billy Joel has not authorised or supported this project in any capacity, and any attempt to move forward without it would be both legally and professionally misguided.”
A report shared by Variety revealed that the film will unfold through the perspective of Billy’s first manager, Irwin Mazur, who discovered the singer in 1966, signed him in 1970, and guided his career until he landed his breakthrough deal with Columbia Records in 1972.
{{/usCountry}}A report shared by Variety revealed that the film will unfold through the perspective of Billy’s first manager, Irwin Mazur, who discovered the singer in 1966, signed him in 1970, and guided his career until he landed his breakthrough deal with Columbia Records in 1972.
{{/usCountry}}