Universal sets international release dates for 'Musk' documentary

Universal Pictures International has scheduled the global rollout for Alex Gibney’s documentary about Elon Musk. The film, which runs for 3 hours and 45 minutes, will open in the U.K. on Jan. 15. Germany follows on Jan. 21, Spain on Feb. 5, France on Feb. 17, and Australia on Feb. 25. Additional territory dates have not yet been announced. The international release follows the film's U.S. theatrical run, which began in October under the Bleecker Street label.

The announcement came after Gibney raised questions about the studio's initial hesitation regarding the overseas strategy. In an interview with The New York Times, the director speculated on the studio's reasoning. “Were they concerned that in this political environment, a film about the world’s richest man was problematic? Maybe, but you have to ask them,” Gibney said. The film has faced legal threats from Musk, who has disputed the documentary's portrayal of him.

The documentary premiered at the Venice Film Festival and has received critical praise. It examines Musk's shift to a MAGA supporter, his SpaceX Mars mission, and Tesla's self-driving technology. It also covers his relationships with the mothers of his 14 children. Variety called the film a “lacerating and important watch, grounded in Alex Gibney’s supremely insightful but user-friendly mastery of the documentary form.”

Musk, the film's subject, reacted negatively to the release. He labeled the project a “hit piece” and stated that “dogshit is worth more respect.” He further claimed that Gibney “has ZERO integrity” and is a “horrible human.”

The film will continue its festival circuit later this month. Upcoming stops include the Lisbon Film Festival, IDFA in Amsterdam, and the Stockholm Film Festival. These screenings follow recent appearances in Toronto and London.

The production's timeline shows a rapid expansion from its October U.S. debut to a scheduled January start in Europe. The specific dates for the initial European markets provide a clear schedule for the first phase of the international distribution.