Universal, Facing Backlash Over 'Musk,' Now Holds Internal Talks to Keep Alex Gibney's Doc

Primary Journalistic Dispatch & Direct Reporting

The studio, which paid millions in 2023 to acquire the doc for overseas release, had gone silent about distribution plans of late and the filmmakers were girding for it to be dropped.

Universal Pictures, which has found itself caught in the middle of a battle between the world's richest man and a hard-hitting investigative documentary by Alex Gibney , is now leaning towards releasing the buzzy, four-hour Musk feature after all.

In-Depth Developments & Factual Context

Executives at the studio are now discussing internally how to deal with what's become a political football, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter . The studio has been both publicly and privately silent with its plans leading up to a THR story that reported that Universal was backing away from releasing the feature in markets outside of North America. Some insiders believed that the studio would ultimately relinquish the film and return rights to the movie to its producers.

But THR 's article sparked criticism directed at the studio, leading to a series of internal meetings at the Comcast-owned film unit. The talks are ongoing but one studio insider believes that they have progressed enough to the point that Universal will ultimately keep the film and go forward with its distribution plan.

Industry Impact & Strategic Analysis

Universal comms chief Evan Langweiler told THR , "The studio remains committed to releasing it in theaters internationally. We're currently working through a release strategy." But he didn't offer further details about timing or platform in any particular market.

If Universal did cut loose the doc it would need to pay filmmakers a kill fee, a source familiar with the deal's structure had said. Gibney's team would then shop the project around to secure a new distribution partner.

Forward Outlook & Market Perspective

Gibney's doc, which world premiered at the Venice Film Festival, immediately struck a nerve within Musk's camp, and the mogul has described the project as a "hit piece." A lawyer for Musk, Alex Spiro, sent a letter to Gibney's production company putting the title on "formal legal notice."

HBO had acquired North American TV and streaming rights in 2023 and plans release of the doc in the first quarter of next year, Bleecker Street has North American rights and Universal currently holds the rights to theatrical distribution overseas.

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