Universal Pictures is weighing whether to release a documentary about Elon Musk, according to a report from The Hollywood Reporter.
The studio, which is owned by Comcast, paid a significant sum to acquire distribution rights to the film outside North America but has not set a release date, the outlet reported. Universal also has not communicated with the filmmaking team about its plans for the project.
The documentary, directed by Alex Gibney, received a lengthy standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, where the audience praised Mr. Gibney for his investigation into Mr. Musk, the world’s first trillionaire.
However, two people familiar with the matter who spoke anonymously to The Hollywood Reporter, said they believe Universal will choose not to release the film because it is too politically sensitive, given the dynamics of the Trump administration.
Alex Spiro, an attorney representing Mr. Musk, sent a letter to Mr. Gibney’s production company placing it “on notice,” adding further pressure as the studio weighs its next steps, according to the report.
HBO, which secured North American television and streaming rights to the documentary in 2023, has continued to support the project and reportedly provided additional financing and encouraged further filming after Mr. Musk took on a role in the Trump administration.
Mr. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, led the Department of Government Efficiency as it cut thousands of federal jobs, contracts and spending at the start of the Trump administration in 2025.
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