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Universal Confirms International Release of ‘Musk’ Documentary Despite Legal Threats
Universal says it still plans to release a documentary about Elon Musk in countries outside North America.
The film was made by Alex Gibney and is almost four hours long.
It will play in North American theaters on October 9.
HBO plans to show it online in the first quarter of 2027.
The international release date has not been announced yet.
Musk has criticized the documentary and called it unfair.
His lawyers have warned that they may sue over parts of the film.
One dispute involves text messages shown in an interview with Ashley St. Clair.
Earlier reports said Universal might stop distributing the film overseas, but newer reports say it plans to continue.
Universal says it will proceed with the international theatrical rollout of Alex Gibney’s nearly four-hour documentary ‘Musk’.
The film will open in North American theaters on October 9 through Bleecker Street, while HBO plans to stream it in early 2027.
No international release date has been set, which sources described as normal for a project of this scale.
Elon Musk has called the documentary a “hit piece” and “psy op,” while his lawyers have threatened possible defamation litigation.
Earlier reports suggested Universal might return the international rights, but later reporting indicated the studio was leaning toward continuing distribution.
- Who
- Universal, filmmaker Alex Gibney, Elon Musk, Bleecker Street, and HBO are central to the dispute and release plans.
- What
- Universal confirmed that it will continue with the documentary ‘Musk’s’ international rollout despite Musk’s legal threats and criticism.
- Where
- The documentary premiered at the Venice Film Festival and will open in North American theaters before an undated international rollout.
- When
- The film is scheduled for North American theaters on October 9; HBO plans to stream it in the first quarter of 2027.
- Why
- Universal is proceeding despite threats of litigation concerning the documentary’s content, including text messages and a claim involving lasers.
Universal and Filmmakers Proceeding
Musk and Distribution Concerns
International distribution
Universal and Filmmakers Proceeding
Universal says it remains enthusiastic about releasing the documentary internationally and will proceed with the rollout.
Musk and Distribution Concerns
Earlier reports said Universal had gone quiet, might return the rights, and could face criticism for appearing to shelve a film critical of Musk.
The documentary’s portrayal
Universal and Filmmakers Proceeding
The film includes interviews and material such as a text exchange involving Ashley St. Clair, and it received about five minutes of applause at its Venice premiere.
Musk and Distribution Concerns
Musk called the documentary a “hit piece” and “psy op,” accused Gibney of lacking integrity, and said it relied on people with grudges against him.
Potential litigation
Universal and Filmmakers Proceeding
The filmmakers and distributors are moving forward despite a legal warning from Musk’s attorney concerning possible litigation.
Musk and Distribution Concerns
Musk’s lawyers have threatened possible defamation action over content involving text messages and a claim about lasers.
Key facts
- Documentary
- ‘Musk,’ directed by Alex Gibney, runs nearly four hours.
- International distributor
- Universal acquired the documentary’s international theatrical rights in 2023 for a multimillion-dollar sum.
- North American release
- October 9 through independent distributor Bleecker Street.
- Streaming release
- HBO plans to stream the film in the first quarter of 2027.
- International date
- No release date has been set for markets outside North America.
- Musk’s response
- Musk called the film a “hit piece” and a “psy op,” and criticized Gibney.
- Legal threats
- Musk’s lawyers warned that litigation, including a possible defamation suit, was being considered.
Sources
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