Musk: Alex Gibney calls for reclaiming power from tech giants

Oscar-winning documentarian Alex Gibney presents “Musk” on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Toronto International Film Festival. The nearly four-hour film offers a critical portrait of Elon Musk, with the director aiming to spark a debate about the unchecked power wielded by tech executives.

Following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, the film makes its North American debut in Toronto. Gibney chronicles the entrepreneur’s rise, from Tesla and SpaceX to the acquisition of Twitter, now known as X, and his increasing role in American political life.

The project was initially intended to run for about two hours. The filmmaker explains that he significantly extended it as Elon Musk’s political influence grew. The documentary particularly examines Musk’s closeness to Donald Trump and the tensions that later marked their relationship.

To construct this portrait, the team interviewed family members, former collaborators, and several individuals who have worked with the billionaire. Elon Musk declined to participate in the film. Some sequences also utilize a digital avatar of the executive to stage already public statements, a technique the director embraces as a way to question the construction of media image.

Musk has strongly contested the documentary. On X, he labeled it a false narrative and a biased film, while hinting at possible legal action. These are his statements, not a judicial ruling. Alex Gibney asserts that the film underwent fact-checking and thorough legal review.

The director, already recognized for “Taxi to the Dark Side,” believes the debate extends beyond Elon Musk’s individual persona. His film interrogates the concentration of economic, technological, and political power in the hands of corporate leaders whose decisions impact millions of people.

“Musk” is part of the documentary selection at the Toronto Festival. After Venice and this North American premiere, its theatrical release is scheduled for October 16, 2026.