A controversial documentary about Elon Musk faced unexpected distribution hurdles after its Venice premiere, with the director revealing that Universal Pictures, which holds international rights, reportedly backed away from plans to release it outside North America. The filmmaker suggested the studio’s decision may have been influenced by criticism from a prominent tech figure, including public insults directed at the project. Meanwhile, the film is set for a limited US release through an independent distributor, raising questions about its broader accessibility. The revelation sheds light on the tensions between creative control and commercial considerations in high-profile film releases.
The revelation comes after the four-hour film’s Venice premiere drew a string of criticisms and insults from the founder of SpaceXAIAlex Gibney, director of the new four-hour documentary about Elon Musk, said that Universal, owners of the film’s international distribution rights “wavered” over releasing the film outside North America.Gibney was speaking to the New York Times as the film opened in the US (where it is being released by the independent distributor Bleecker Street), and appeared to confirm a story in the Hollywood Reporter that Universal, which had acquired the international rights to the film in 2023, had got cold feet. Asked by the New York Times, “Did Universal Pictures waver in setting up its international release plans?” Gibney replied: “Yes.” Continue reading...
