Melania Trump Documentary Makes Waves at Box Office
The newly released documentary “Melania,” focusing on Melania Trump, has taken the box office by surprise despite critical backlash. Directed by Brett Ratner, the film chronicles the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s anticipated second inauguration in 2025.
Box Office Performance
Upon its release, “Melania” earned an impressive $7 million during its opening weekend, exceeding initial projections of $3 to $5 million. The estimates were released by Amazon MGM Studios on February 1.
- Opening weekend gross: $7 million
- Projected opening: $3 – $5 million
- Ranked third in the domestic box office
Weekend Rankings
The documentary secured the third spot among new releases, trailing behind two horror films:
- “Send Help” – $20 million
- “Iron Lung” – $17.9 million
In comparison, it outperformed Disney’s “Zootopia 2,” which accumulated $5.8 million, and the Jason Statham action movie “Shelter,” totaling $5.5 million.
Audience Reception vs. Critical Response
Despite the film’s box office success, critics panned it. “Melania” holds a mere 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, in contrast, audience reception has been overwhelmingly positive, evidenced by a 99% score on the Popcornmeter and an A rating from CinemaScore.
Comments from Amazon MGM Studios
Kevin Wilson, the head of domestic theatrical distribution for Amazon MGM Studios, expressed his optimism: “We’re very encouraged by the strong start and positive audience response, with early box office for ‘Melania’ exceeding our expectations.”
Pre-Release Activities
Before its theatrical debut, the film had a star-studded rollout. Melania Trump hosted a private screening at the White House. Additionally, the film premiered on January 29 at the Trump Kennedy Center, drawing notable guests such as:
- Rapper Nicki Minaj
- Media personality Dr. Phil
- Cabinet members Pete Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Financial Overview and Future Plans
While “Melania” had a strong opening, it faces significant financial challenges. Amazon MGM Studios acquired the film for $40 million and spent an additional $35 million on marketing. Despite its initial success, the documentary must still generate considerable revenue to achieve profitability. Plans indicate that it will be available for streaming on Prime Video later this year.
