Entertainment · Film · 9 hrs ago
Alex Gibney Says Universal Wavered on Overseas Release of Musk Documentary
Alex Gibney says Universal hesitated over plans to release his documentary about Elon Musk outside the United States.
He said the studio’s concerns followed legal threats from Musk, though he did not describe the discussions in detail.
The film examines Musk, the world’s richest man, and his influence.
Gibney said he tried to interview Musk, but Musk did not take part in the documentary.
Universal said on September 17 that it remained committed to releasing the film and that its plans had not changed.
The documentary has opened in select US theaters, and Gibney said he and Universal are discussing a release plan.
Director Alex Gibney said Universal hesitated over plans for an international release of his documentary “Musk.”
Gibney said the studio’s concerns may have extended beyond legal clearances, but he did not detail its internal discussions.
Universal said it had always been committed to releasing the film and that its plans had not changed.
The documentary opened in select theaters through Bleecker Street and earned $68,900 from four locations, according to Variety.
Gibney also said Elon Musk did not take part in the film despite attempts to interview him.
- Who
- Director Alex Gibney and distributor Universal are at the center of the release-plan dispute; the film focuses on Elon Musk.
- What
- Gibney said Universal wavered over plans for an international release. Universal said its plans had not changed.
- When
- Gibney discussed the issue in an interview published October 11, 2026. Universal issued its statement on September 17.
- Where
- The film opened in select theaters in the United States through Bleecker Street; the international release plans were at issue.
- Why
- Gibney suggested Universal may have been concerned about the political environment and legal threats from Musk.
Alex Gibney
Universal
Release plans
Alex Gibney
Gibney said Universal wavered over planning the film’s international release.
Universal
Universal said it had always been committed to releasing the film and its plans had not changed.
Reason for concern
Alex Gibney
Gibney said the studio may have been concerned that a film about the world’s richest man was problematic in the political environment.
Universal
Universal did not give a reason for its position.
Were they concerned that in this political environment, a film about the world’s richest man was problematic? Maybe, but you have to ask them.
We’ve always been committed to releasing this film, and our plans haven’t changed.
His response was writing ‘Gibney is a douche’ on Twitter.
Universal said in a statement that its plans to release “Musk” had not changed.
Musk” opened in theaters through Bleecker Street, according to Variety.
Interviews with Gibney describing Universal’s hesitation over international release plans were published.
- Director
- Alex Gibney
- Distributor
- Universal
- Theatrical distributor
- Bleecker Street
- Universal statement
- September 17
- Opening box office
- $68,900 from four locations
Sources
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