Melania Trump’s independently named documentary is said to be facing challenges in generating pre-sale ticket interest before its January 30 debut, even with a historic $40 million distribution agreement.
Initial forecasts predicted the movie would debut in the low single-digit millions within the country,entertainment columnist Rob Shuter reportedFriday. The movie focuses on the First Lady during the period preceding her husband’s 2025 presidential inauguration.
“In New YorkOnly a few seats have been reserved,” one source said in Shuter’s Naughty But Nice newsletter. “Palm Beach isn’t any better either. Even in areas supporting Trump, movie theaters are nearly empty.” The source continued, “The studio had hoped for a strong response, but that hasn’t happened yet.
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Amazon MGM Studios obtained the film “Melania,” which some media outlets have described as one of the biggest documentary licensing agreements ever, by surpassing Disney and Paramount in the bidding process.
A 104-minute movie, helmed by Brett Ratner, documents a former Slovenian model over the course of 20 days before President Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration. A second insider shared with Shuter, “People are interested. It’s a well-known project, but excitement doesn’t always result in strong box office numbers.”
The low pre-sales stand in stark contrast to recent documentary achievements.Taylor SwiftThe Eras Tour had 4,200 showings sold out prior to its 2023 debut and eventually earned $261.7 million globally.
“Melania” details the First Lady’s efforts for her husband’s second inauguration and represents one of the few times the famously private wife ofDonald Trumphas permitted prolonged camera access.
The documentary will debut on January 29 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., formerly known as the Trump Kennedy Center, and will then be released in cinemas the next day.
On Instagram on Saturday, the 55-year-old shared a brief preview for the movie, and fans responded with a range of feelings. Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., wrote, “Epic!” accompanied by a fire emoji.
The most exceptional First Lady, she comprehends global requirements and diverse cultures,” a supporter wrote. Another person added, “I am incredibly proud to have her as our First Lady!!! Stunning! Congratulations.
This could be a film worse than Carrot Top’s Chairman of the Board,” another wrote. A fourth person added, “Just purchased our tickets yay!!! So excited to watch the movie.
The 79-year-old president recently referred to tickets for the film’s premiere as “very hard to obtain.” He said, “I’ve seen parts of it. It’s amazing. It will have its premiere at The Trump Kennedy Center. It’s a tough ticket. Everyone—Wayne Gretzky and his wife…everyone is wanting tickets.”
The film ‘Melania’ is set to debut in cinemas on January 30, 2026.
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