Billy Joel Slams Unauthorized Biopic From ‘Michael’ Editor
Joel says the filmmakers lack his life and music rights as casting continues on the unauthorized biopic.
- On Tuesday, Billy Joel spoke out against the upcoming biopic 'Billy & Me,' stating he has not authorized the project and that filmmakers lack the necessary life and music rights to proceed.
- Director John Ottman is developing the film, which chronicles Joel's formative years and focuses on his first manager, Irwin Mazur, who secured exclusive life rights for the production.
- Former bandmate Jon Small is attached as consultant and second unit director, despite a notorious rift with Joel after Small's wife, Elizabeth Weber, left him for the musician.
- Casting is currently underway for production slated this fall in Winnipeg, Canada, and New York, with Small serving as consultant despite Joel's continued objections to the project.
- The 2025 HBO documentary 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' featured the Grammy winner's direct involvement, contrasting sharply with this unauthorized project proceeding without his support or authorization.
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75 Articles
'Billy and Me' Director Fires Back At Billy Joel's Camp Over Biopic Diss
The director of the upcoming Billy Joel biopic is pushing back on the 'Piano Man's' camp after a rep blasted the movie ... John Ottman says the only thing that's misguided here is Billy's outlook on what the flick is all about. John, who won an…
Billy Joel slams unauthorized biopic from ‘Michael’ editor
NEW YORK — Billy Joel is slamming an unauthorized biopic underway about the Piano Man, helmed by “Michael” editor John Ottman. Read more...
Billy Joel Accused Of Trying To 'Control The Narrative' After Calling Biopic 'Misguided’
MEGA Billy Joel is facing backlash from critics who claim he is attempting to dictate his own history following his harsh dismissal of an upcoming feature film. The iconic musician publicly rebuked the independent cinematic project about his youth, labeling the endeavor as an improper attempt to capture his early career. Notably, award-winning editor and director John Ottman is attached to helm the production, which is scheduled to begin filmi…
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