Universal Pictures appeared ready to pull the plug on one of the most closely watched documentaries about Elon Musk. The studio reportedly had second thoughts about releasing Musk, the explosive Alex Gibney-directed documentary, after buying its international theatrical rights in 2023. Reports suggested political concerns were fueling Universal Pictures’ hesitation, putting the much-anticipated project in an awkward spot.

Universal Pictures has now come forward to deny those reports, making clear that Musk remains firmly on its release slate.

Universal Pictures has now pushed back against the reports, with a studio spokesperson telling Deadline and other outlets that the company has no plans to ditch Musk. The clarification came after Puck first reported the uncertainty surrounding the documentary. Deadline has since confirmed that Universal Pictures is lining up a first-quarter 2027 release for the film.

Still, the filmmakers had understandable reason to wonder about Universal Pictures’ commitment. It is increasingly unusual for a high-profile film approaching its US release to have no international dates announced. With Musk generating considerable attention, the absence of an international rollout naturally made the documentary’s theatrical future look rather uncertain.

The situation, however, appears less dramatic than the initial reports suggested. Sources told Deadline that Universal Pictures had been conducting an internal legal review after receiving the final version of Musk shortly before its Venice Film Festival world premiere. The studio did not deny that legal review when Deadline asked about it.

Even After Film Festival Success, Universal Is Not Ready to Commit to ‘Musk’

While the future of Musk remains murky amid HBO Max threats and confusing reports surrounding Universal Pictures, the reviews appear to be landing firmly on Musk’s side.

Alex Gibney’s Musk has arrived at the Venice Film Festival with critics giving the four-hour documentary an unusually warm reception. The film debuted with a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, while reviews have described the portrait of Elon Musk as compelling, unsettling, and deeply revealing. Variety called it “lacerating and important,” praising Gibney’s seamless construction of Musk’s evolution.

The strongest reactions have focused on the documentary’s forensic approach and creative storytelling, particularly its AI-generated Musk avatar and revealing interviews with Errol Musk, Justine Musk, and Ashley St. Clair. The Telegraph called the film a “chillingly forensic hatchet job,” while IndieWire described it as a “damning and distressing” account.

With the critical response firmly leaning positive, Universal Pictures’ reported uncertainty over Musk now has an intriguing backdrop.

Unmasking the $50 Million Net Worth of Alex Gibney: The Man Behind the Upcoming Elon Musk Documentary

Do you think Musk will be able to make its way onto our screen? Let us know in the comments!