‘Musk’ Director Alex Gibney Confirms Universal Wavered in Planning Overseas Release, Says He Tried to Interview Elon Musk: ‘His Response Was Writing “Gibney Is a Douche”’
Director Alex Gibney has confirmed that Universal Pictures wavered in its commitment to release his documentary "Musk" internationally, citing concerns about the controversial nature of a film about the world's richest man in the current political climate. The 3-hour-45-minute documentary, which opened in limited release on Friday, explores Elon Musk's influence and controversies, including his political shift, Tesla's self-driving vehicles, and his relationships with the mothers of his 14 children.
Gibney attempted to interview Musk but the billionaire declined, instead responding publicly with insults both on Twitter and in pre-release statements calling the film a "hit piece" and Gibney a man with "ZERO integrity." The director secured interviews with Musk's ex-partners, including his first wife Justine Musk and former girlfriend Ashley St. Clair, though many potential interviewees refused to participate without Musk's permission. The film generated $68,900 from four locations in its opening weekend, averaging $17,225 per screen.
- Alex Gibney's Musk documentary faced wavering studio commitment to international release.
- Elon Musk refused interview and publicly insulted both the director and project.
- The three-hour-45-minute film opened in limited release with modest box office returns.
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Elon Musk is the world's richest person and one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern technology and business. He leads Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, and SpaceX, the aerospace company, and also owns a major social media platform, whilst maintaining a prominent public profile through his statements on political and social matters.
Director Alex Gibney, a renowned documentary filmmaker, has made a three hour and forty-five minute film exploring Musk's life, influence and controversies, including his business decisions, political views and personal relationships. The documentary features interviews with former partners and associates, though Musk declined to participate and instead publicly criticised both the film and the director.
The film's release has attracted attention partly because Universal Pictures initially hesitated over distributing it internationally, reportedly concerned about the sensitivity of releasing a controversial documentary about such a prominent figure in the current political climate. It opened in limited cinema release and has sparked discussion about Musk's influence and legacy, though early box office returns were modest.