Alex Gibney, director of the new four-hour documentary about Elon Musk, said Universal, which owns the film’s international distribution rights, was “hesitant” to release the film outside of North America.
Gibney was speaking to the New York Times during the film’s release in the United States (where it is distributed by independent distributor Bleecker Street) and appeared to confirm a Hollywood Reporter report that Universal, which acquired international rights to the film in 2023, had gotten cold feet. Asked by the New York Times: “Did Universal Pictures hesitate in implementing its international release plans? » Gibney replied: “Yes. »
A later article in Variety suggested that Universal had been concerned about “Musk’s legal threats” but that the studio had “always been enthusiastic about releasing the film internationally.” Gibney was asked: “So these weren’t legal authorizations?” The filmmaker replied: “You can walk and chew gum at the same time. »
However, it appears plans are back on track, as Gibney added: “We just had a meeting with (Universal) and we’re talking very concretely about a release plan.”
Gibney also said that his producer Jessie Deeter, who knew Musk from two previous films, tried several times to ask Musk to be interviewed for the film. Musk’s response was to post “Gibney is an asshole” on X, the social media platform owned by the company SpaceXAI, which Musk founded.
Following the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Musk issued a series of criticisms of the film and insults aimed at Gibney, including calling the film a “failed blockbuster movie” and threatening legal action.
Universal declined to comment further, emphasizing its previous statement: “We have always been committed to releasing this film and our plans have not changed.”
Gn entert
