Universal Hesitates on Releasing ‘Musk’ Documentary, New Report Reveals

voice film logo squareArthur S. Poe
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Documentary distribution deals typically don’t make major headlines, but few subjects attract as much attention as the world’s richest man. Director Alex Gibney has established a reputation for hard-hitting investigative documentaries, and his latest project aims to provide an unfiltered look at Elon Musk’s ascent to global prominence.

Universal Pictures secured international distribution rights to the documentary titled ‘Musk’ in 2023, investing a multimillion-dollar sum for the chance to release the four-hour film worldwide outside North America. At that time, the political landscape surrounding Musk was significantly different than it is now.

According to an exclusive report from The Hollywood Reporter, Universal seems to be having second thoughts about the film’s release. Citing two sources familiar with the situation, the outlet reports that Universal has not set a release date, has not communicated with the filmmaking team about its plans, and generally appears to be reconsidering a project that initially generated significant enthusiasm.

This uncertainty comes despite a notably positive reception at film festivals. The documentary premiered at the Venice Film Festival in early September, receiving five minutes of applause, with attendees expressing their appreciation for Gibney’s investigation before it screened in Toronto as well. Distributors in various countries have reportedly shown eagerness to acquire the film, having previously been informed it was already secured.

Domestically, the film is still scheduled for release through independent distributor Bleecker Street, set to open on October 9 in New York and Los Angeles before expanding nationwide on October 16. HBO also holds North American TV and streaming rights, which were acquired alongside Universal’s deal in 2023, and has continued to support the project, including financing additional shooting after Musk took on his role in Washington.

According to THR’s reporting, the film has become “politically sensitive for parts of the Trump administration,” alleging that Musk could potentially utilize data gathered during his time with the Department of Government Efficiency against Democrats in the upcoming midterms. Musk himself does not appear as an interview subject in the documentary, though numerous individuals within his circle do.

Musk has publicly dismissed the film, repeatedly labeling it a “hit piece” and calling it “boring,” despite no clear indication that he has actually viewed it. His attorney, Alex Spiro, has also sent a formal legal notice to Gibney’s production company, Jigsaw Productions, raising the stakes for any potential distributor considering the film.

If Universal ultimately opts not to proceed, the studio would reportedly owe the filmmakers a kill fee, after which the rights would revert to Gibney’s team to seek a new international distributor. Given the interest already expressed by other distributors, the film likely wouldn’t struggle to find a new home if that scenario unfolds.

Universal declined to comment when approached by The Hollywood Reporter, and Gibney did not immediately respond to the outlet’s request either. No final decision has been publicly announced at this time, and it remains unclear whether Universal’s hesitation is due to political factors or purely business considerations.

With domestic release dates confirmed through Bleecker Street regardless of Universal’s final decision, American audiences will have the opportunity to see ‘Musk’ next month, irrespective of how the international distribution situation resolves. Whether the rest of the world will have that same opportunity soon remains uncertain.

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