Editor and director John Ottman is set to direct “Billy & Me”, a feature film chronicling the formative years of Billy Joel. “Billy & Me” tells the origin story of Joel before fame, before the hits - and,

Billy Joel is taking aim at an upcoming film about his early years, warning that the project is moving ahead without his approval or the rights to his story and music. Billy & Me will chart Joel’s early rise through the eyes of his first manager,

A biopic on music legend Billy Joel is currently in development from an editor on “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Variety reported. “‘Billy & Me’” tells the origin story of Joel before fame, before the hits — and,

Joel said the project, which is being directed by 'Michael' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody' editor John Ottman, doesn't have his music or life rights.

Following the news that a biopic about him is in the works, Billy Joel is making it clear that the project is unauthorized and will not include his music.  A rep for Joel, 77, spoke out against the planned project in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

A rep for the singer said that Joel "has not authorized or supported" the making of the John Ottoman-directed doc Billy & Me

The feature is reportedly from the perspective of manager Irwin Mazur with ex-bandmate Jon Small attached in a creative role.

Joel, who in 2022 indicated he was not authorizing a biopic titled Piano Man, has reportedly not given his blessing to Billy and Me Moviegoers will get to see the piano man in his early years as Billy Joel is getting the biopic treatment.