Gibney's 'Musk' Documentary Hits Theaters Amid Legal Threats and AI Controversy

Key points

• Bleecker Street released the official trailer for 'Musk' on September 24, 2026, ahead of its October 9 US theatrical release.
• The documentary runs approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including an intermission, and was produced over three years.
• Musk refused to be interviewed, leading Gibney to create an AI avatar that recites the billionaire’s public quotes.
• Musk’s attorney, Alex Spiro, threatened a defamation lawsuit over claims regarding the 2024 election, which Gibney dismissed as 'patently ridiculous.'
• The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 8, receiving a standing ovation, and also screened at Toronto and Camden.

Background

Our earlier coverage from September 8 noted the film’s Venice debut and initial release dates, while September 13 reported Musk’s initial legal threats. September 3 highlighted David Byrne’s original song, 'Let Me Sell You a Dream,' which uses only Musk’s quotes as lyrics. The current release date of October 9 is an earlier date than the October 16 date mentioned in our September 8 archive.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Deadline emphasize the film’s critical reception and the controversy surrounding Musk’s public attacks on X, where he called Gibney a 'horrible human.' Ars Technica highlights the technical aspect of the AI avatar and the potential defamation lawsuit. The Hollywood Reporter focuses on the film’s thematic focus on Musk’s conflicts of interest and his time with DOGE, noting that HBO funded the additional runtime after the initial two-hour cut. All sources agree on the October 9 release date and the film’s length, but differ in emphasis: Variety and Deadline focus on the legal and public backlash, while THR and Ars Technica focus on the content and production details.

Why it matters

The release of 'Musk' tests the viability of long-form documentaries in the current market and the public’s willingness to engage with critical portrayals of powerful figures. The legal threats and AI usage raise questions about free speech, defamation law, and the ethics of using AI in journalism and documentary filmmaking.

What to watch

The film will expand nationwide after its initial New York and Los Angeles release on October 9. Universal is planning an international release in the first quarter of 2027, and the film is slated to stream on HBO at the same time. The outcome of any potential defamation lawsuit will be a key development to watch.