Entertainment

Universal reportedly reconsiders releasing Elon Musk documentary outside North America

Two unnamed sources told The Hollywood Reporter that Universal may return the film’s rights to its makers, but no final decision has been made.

Updated Sep 17, 2026 · 06:16 UTC1 reports

The short version

Universal holds distribution rights outside North America for Alex Gibney’s Elon Musk documentary and appears to be reconsidering its release, according to The Hollywood Reporter.[The Hollywood Reporter]
The outlet reports that Universal has neither set a release date nor communicated its plans to the filmmakers. Two unnamed sources expect it to return the rights, but say no decision is final.[The Hollywood Reporter]
A U.S. theatrical release through Bleecker Street and a London Film Festival screening remain scheduled, according to the report. Universal declined to comment on its plans.[The Hollywood Reporter]

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal controls the documentary’s worldwide rights outside North America.[The Hollywood Reporter]
The outlet reports that Universal has not scheduled a release or communicated its plans to the filmmakers.[The Hollywood Reporter]
The report says the film is scheduled for U.S. theatrical release through Bleecker Street and a London Film Festival screening.[The Hollywood Reporter]
A person familiar with the agreement told The Hollywood Reporter that Universal would owe the filmmakers a cancellation fee if it chose not to release the film.[The Hollywood Reporter]

Universal’s release decision remains unresolved. Two unnamed sources predicted it would return the rights but acknowledged several possible outcomes; Universal declined to comment.[The Hollywood Reporter]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.