Gibney's Elon Musk documentary opened in the US through independent distributor Bleecker Street, while Universal, owners of the film's international distribution rights, held back from releasing it elsewhere. The director now says plans for an international release are moving again, with a concrete release plan under discussion with the studio.

Gibney confirms the studio wavered

Speaking to the New York Times as the film opened in the US, Gibney appeared to confirm a Hollywood Reporter story that Universal, which acquired the international rights in 2023, had got cold feet. Asked whether Universal Pictures wavered in setting up its international release plans, he replied: "Yes."

When asked if the issue was legal clearances, the film-maker answered: "You can walk and chew gum at the same time."

Musk's criticism and interview refusals

Gibney's producer Jessie Deeter, who knew Musk from two previous films, tried on several occasions to get Musk to sit for an interview. Musk's response was to post "Gibney is a douche" on X, the platform owned by his own company.

After the film premiered at the Venice film festival, Musk posted criticisms of the documentary and insults aimed at Gibney, calling it a "hit piece that misses" and threatening legal action.

Universal's response

According to a Variety story, Universal had been concerned about legal threats from Musk, but the studio maintained it had always been enthusiastic about releasing the film internationally.

Universal declined further comment, pointing to a statement: "We've always been committed to releasing this film, and our plans haven't changed."

Gibney said plans for the international release are back on track. "We just had a meeting with [Universal], and we're talking very concretely about a release plan."