Universal Pictures Weighs Pulling 'Musk' Doc as Political Pressure Mounts

Key points

• Universal Pictures, which holds non-North American rights to 'Musk,' has not set a release date and appears to be reconsidering the project, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
• The documentary, directed by Alex Gibney, premiered at the Venice Film Festival to a five-minute standing ovation and is set to debut in U.S. theaters on October 9 via Bleecker Street.
• Musk has publicly denounced the film as a 'hit piece' and 'boring,' while his lawyer sent a legal notice to the production company, raising concerns for distributors.
• The film alleges that Musk used data from his DOGE period to influence the 2024 U.S. election, a claim that has drawn scrutiny from the FCC, which is currently investigating Comcast’s DEI practices.
• If Universal decides not to release the film, it would be required to pay a kill fee, allowing filmmakers to sell the rights anew, potentially profiting twice from the same acquisition.

Background

The documentary 'Musk' has been in development since 2023, when Universal acquired worldwide rights outside North America. HBO secured North American TV and streaming rights and provided additional financing as Musk’s political influence grew. The film’s release has been complicated by Musk’s close relationship with FCC chair Brendan Carr, who has defended Musk against previous investigations and oversees regulatory power over media companies. The film’s poster has also drawn online criticism for its design, which some have described as low-resolution clip art, though this has not affected its critical reception.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes Universal’s hesitation and the potential political fallout for Comcast, noting that the studio’s decision could raise questions about media freedom. The Washington Post focuses on the documentary’s content, describing it as a 'terrifying' portrait of Musk as a 'power-hungry megalomaniacal con man.' The Daily Beast highlights a fiery Q&A exchange at the Toronto International Film Festival, where Gibney confronted an audience member defending Musk. Deadline reports on Bleecker Street’s decision to move up the U.S. theatrical release to October 9 due to overwhelming demand, despite Musk’s public attacks on the film. The outlets differ in their emphasis: THR focuses on the business and political implications, while The Washington Post and The Daily Beast highlight the film’s content and audience reactions, and Deadline focuses on the commercial success of the U.S. release.

Why it matters

The situation underscores the growing pressure on media companies to avoid political backlash, particularly in an era where regulatory bodies like the FCC wield significant power over the industry. Universal’s potential withdrawal from the film could set a precedent for how studios handle politically sensitive content, raising questions about free speech and corporate influence in media. The film’s strong festival reception and U.S. theatrical success also highlight the public’s interest in scrutinizing powerful figures like Musk, despite attempts to suppress or discredit the narrative.

What to watch

Universal is expected to make a final decision on the film’s release in the coming weeks. If it decides not to release the film, it will be required to pay a kill fee, and the filmmakers will be free to sell the rights anew. Bleecker Street’s U.S. theatrical release is set for October 9, with a nationwide expansion to follow. HBO is expected to air the film in February, though a potential sale of Warner Bros Discovery to David Ellison could complicate the timeline, as Ellison’s father is cited in the film in an unfavorable light.