The documentary premiered at the Venice International Film Festival earlier this month and is scheduled for a US theatrical release on October 9. The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that Universal Pictures had been wavering on its international distribution plans, linking the uncertainty to concerns about angering the Trump administration.
It currently has a 100% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, according to TechCrunch, while Vulture critic Bilge Ebiri described it as a “fascinating” character study. Universal later said it would release the documentary in theatres, though it was still working out its broader release strategy. It is nearly four hours long and includes interviews with people connected to Musk, including his ex-wife Justine Musk and former right-wing influencer Ashley St. Clair. The film has also attracted strong early critical attention. Ebiri wrote, “As a tale of modern business, it’s revealing. And as a warning about our future, it’s terrifying. The advertising controversy comes as Musk also faces uncertainty around its international distribution.
YouTube Clarifies Status of Musk Trailer Advertisement
YouTube has confirmed that the trailer featuring Elon Musk was always accessible as a standard video on its platform. However, when the trailer was submitted as a paid advertisement, it faced temporary restrictions due to the platform’s internal systems. This clarification comes in response to earlier reports that suggested otherwise.