Unauthorized Billy Joel Biopic “Billy & Me” Advances Toward Production

“Billy & Me” dramatizes Billy Joel’s career before his 1973 “Piano Man” hit, told through manager Irwin Mazur, who discovered Joel in 1966, signed him in 1970, and secured a Columbia deal in 1972. It also covers Joel’s time with Hassles, duo Attila with drummer Jon Small, and turmoil involving Small’s wife Elizabeth Weber that led to Joel’s 1970s depression and suicide attempts in HBO’s 2025 “Billy Joel: And So It Goes.”

Variety MagazineNew Biopic Will Depict The Adventures Of Young Billy JoelPeople MagazineBilly Joel Biopic in the Works From Michael and Bohemian Rhapsody’s John OttmanBilly Joel Biopic in the Works

John Ottman directs; Adam Ripp writes and produces; Irwin Mazur and Jon Small provide life rights and act as consultants; Jay Cohen handles financing; Mitchell Leib is executive music producer.

Variety Magazine

Filming is slated for fall 2026 in Winnipeg and New York City; casting is underway. The film draws on HBO documentary “And So It Goes.” Jay Cohen assembles financing; Mitchell Leib oversees music; Gersh Agency handles distribution.

Variety Magazine

Producers say Mazur’s and Small’s life rights enable a narrative ending before Joel’s 1973 “Piano Man” breakthrough. Ottman and Ripp describe development as collaborative, emphasizing emotional depth and period authenticity. A Joel representative, noting the lack of authorization, declined comment.

Variety Magazine

Billy Joel has not authorized the biopic, and his camp has not issued a response. Observers note that without Joel’s endorsement the film may lack catalog clearance, limiting song use. Critics warn that an unauthorized portrayal could rely on secondary sources and face legal or artistic constraints.

New Biopic Will Depict The Adventures Of Young Billy Joel

Sources differ on whether Elizabeth Weber will appear; no casting confirmation exists. Music-rights clearance is unspecified, and a release date beyond “fall 2026” has not been announced. Joel’s recent health updates are noted but do not clarify his stance.

Variety Magazine

• “This is the most honest, heartfelt, and authentic portrayal of Billy’s early life and rise to becoming one of the greatest musical voices of our time. ‘Billy & Me’ is grounded in truth, shaped with care, and built with the insight of people who genuinely know and love Billy. As someone who was there from the very beginning, I can say this script captures not just the music, but the friendships, struggles, humor, and creative spark that defined those years.” — Jon Small, Drummer and Consultant

Variety Magazine

• “Too often, stories about artists get lost in exaggeration or mythmaking. ‘Billy & Me’ reflects the real history with integrity and respect. I first met Billy when he was 16 years old, and after reading the script, I felt the filmmakers truly understood who he was before the world knew his name.” — Jon Small

Variety Magazine

• “ Ottman says, “I’m really proud of the development work Adam Ripp and I did to shape ‘Billy & Me’ into both a deeply emotional and fun story.” — John Ottman, Director

Variety Magazine

• “Sure, the long hair, cigarette smoke and authentic look of the period turns me on as a filmmaker, but what truly drew me to the material was the humanity at its core.” — John Ottman

People Magazine

Filming begins fall 2026; release date pending music-rights clearance.

People Magazine