Universal reportedly has second thoughts about releasing Elon Musk documentary

Universal Pictures is reportedly reconsidering its plans to release Alex Gibney’s Musk internationally, despite strong attention for the documentary following its Venice Film Festival premiere.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal, which acquired worldwide rights outside North America, has not set an international release date or communicated a firm release plan to the filmmaking team. Two people familiar with the situation told the publication that no final decision had been made, although they expected the studio could eventually return the rights to the filmmakers. Universal declined to comment.

The development comes after Musk received a lengthy ovation at Venice, where Gibney presented his nearly four hour examination of Elon Musk. The documentary subsequently continued to the Toronto International Film Festival, adding further attention ahead of its wider theatrical plans.

The North American release is moving ahead separately. Bleecker Street has scheduled Musk for US cinemas on October 16, followed by an HBO Max release. Universal’s reported uncertainty therefore concerns its international distribution rights rather than the film’s US theatrical launch.

The documentary has attracted controversy because of its examination of Musk’s business activities, political involvement and relationship with the administration of Donald Trump. Musk has publicly criticised the project, calling it a "hit piece" and questioning Gibney’s credibility. 

Gibney began working on the documentary in 2023 and initially attempted to interview Musk, who declined. The finished film features interviews with figures including Musk’s first wife Justine Musk, his father Errol Musk, Ashley St Clair, technology journalist Zoë Schiffer and AI researcher Geoffrey Hinton.

For now, Universal has not confirmed that it is abandoning the project. The studio’s lack of a release date has, however, created uncertainty around when audiences outside North America will be able to see Gibney’s film.