Universal weighs international release of Alex Gibney's Elon Musk documentary

Universal Pictures is reportedly leaning toward releasing Alex Gibney's four-hour documentary on Elon Musk in international markets, according to sources familiar with the studio's internal discussions. The studio, which had remained silent after a report suggested it might withdraw from overseas distribution, faced criticism that prompted a series of meetings within the Comcast-owned unit.

Universal communications chief Evan Langweiler told The Hollywood Reporter that the company "remains committed to releasing it in theaters internationally" and is working on a release strategy, though no specific dates or platforms were disclosed.

If the studio were to abandon the project, it would be required to pay a kill fee to the filmmakers, after which Gibney's team would seek another distributor. The documentary, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, has been labeled a "hit piece" by Musk, whose lawyer sent a formal legal notice to the production company. HBO holds North American television and streaming rights and plans to release the film in the first quarter of next year, while Bleecker Street controls North American theatrical rights and Universal retains overseas theatrical rights.