# Melania's Doc Hauls in $7M for Amazon in Debut Weekend
The highly anticipated documentary Melania, chronicling former First Lady Melania Trump's final 20 days before Donald Trump's second presidential inauguration, smashed expectations by grossing $7 million in its opening weekend across more than 1,778 U.S. theaters and 5,000 worldwide.[3][1][2] Directed by Brett Ratner and backed by Amazon MGM Studios' record-breaking $40 million acquisition—plus $35 million in marketing—this political powerhouse premiered on January 30, 2026, proving documentaries can dominate the box office amid Trump's turbulent second term.[1][3]
Record-Breaking Deal and Production Buzz
Amazon MGM Studios outbid giants like Disney, Netflix, and Paramount with a staggering $40 million for licensing rights, marking the highest price ever paid for a documentary without music licensing.[1][2][3] Melania Trump, serving as executive producer through her company Muse Films, retained editorial control and pushed for a theatrical release, which Amazon included alongside plans for a three-part companion docuseries.[1][2] Directed by Brett Ratner in his first project since 2017 sexual assault allegations, the 104-minute film captures intimate moments, drawing praise from Trump himself as a "must watch."[3][1]
The production ignited bidding wars post-2024 election, with Disney offering around $14 million before Amazon's deal sealed the theatrical and streaming exclusivity on Prime Video, expected later in 2026.[2][1] Ted Hope, former head of Amazon's film division, highlighted its expense as a bold political investment rather than a traditional profit play.[3]
Explosive Opening Weekend and Box Office Triumph
Debuting January 30 after a glitzy Kennedy Center premiere hosted by President Trump on January 29—attended by cabinet members and Congress—the film exceeded projections with $7 million in ticket sales, an "excellent opening for a political documentary" per analyst David A. Gross of FranchiseRe.[3][2] Tickets flew via Fandango and AMC Theatres in 2,000 U.S. and 5,000 global screens, though international haul was modest and South African distributor Filmfinity pulled out amid "recent developments."[1][3]
Gross noted the $75 million total spend (rights plus marketing) poses little risk for Amazon, viewing it as strategic leverage on regulatory or tariff issues rather than pure box-office bet.[3] Ratner himself tempered expectations at the premiere, quipping documentaries rarely thrive in theaters, yet Melania defied the odds.[3]
Behind the Scenes: Controversy, Trailers, and Streaming Future
The official trailer teases Trump's "peacemaker" legacy, high-stakes diplomacy, and candid exchanges like "Everyone wants to know. So, here it is," fueling viral hype across Amazon MGM's social channels.[4] Melania told CBS News on the red carpet that audiences would connect with its authenticity, while Trump fielded questions on Iran, Cuba, and the Federal Reserve.[3]
Streaming hits Prime Video post-theatrical run—potentially three to four weeks after debut—ensuring global access via VPN for international viewers.[1][2] Despite Ratner's Hollywood exile and the film's pro-Trump slant, its scale and Trump's endorsement propelled unprecedented documentary success.[2][3]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the *Melania* documentary about?
*Melania* documents Melania Trump's 20 days leading to Donald Trump's second inauguration, offering intimate insights into her role as First Lady, produced with her direct involvement.[2][1]
How much did *Melania* make in its opening weekend?
The film grossed $7 million in its debut weekend across 1,778 U.S. theaters and thousands worldwide, surpassing expectations for a documentary.[3]
Who directed *Melania* and what makes it controversial?
Brett Ratner directed, marking his return after 2017 allegations; controversy stems from its high cost, Trump ties, and Ratner's history.[1][2][3]
When and where can I watch *Melania*?
It premiered in theaters January 30, 2026; stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video later in 2026 after theatrical run.[1][2]
How much did Amazon pay for *Melania*?
Amazon MGM Studios paid $40 million for rights plus $35 million in marketing, the most expensive documentary deal ever.[1][3][2]
Is there more *Melania* content coming?
Yes, Amazon plans a three-part companion docuseries following the film's release.[1]
🔄 Updated: 2/1/2026, 7:30:26 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Consumer and Public Split on 'Melania' Doc's $7M Debut**
Despite brutal critic reviews—7% on Metacritic and 10% on Rotten Tomatoes—Amazon's "Melania" documentary grossed $7.04 million in its opening weekend across 1,778 theaters, drawing strong consumer turnout that beat pre-release estimates of $3-5 million[1][2]. President Trump fueled public enthusiasm by calling it "a must watch," while First Lady Melania Trump told CBS News on the Kennedy Center red carpet that viewers would "connect" with its intimate 20-day chronicle of her pre-inauguration life[2]. Social media buzz shows polarized reactions, with Trump supporter
🔄 Updated: 2/1/2026, 7:40:25 PM
**'Melania' documentary grosses $7.04 million in debut weekend across 2,000 U.S. and 5,000 global theaters, ranking third behind major releases despite a 7% Metacritic score signaling critical disdain.** Technically, this marks the strongest non-concert doc opening in 14 years—exceeding $3-5 million projections—but recoups just 14% of Amazon's $40 million rights fee plus $35 million marketing outlay, underscoring a high-risk theatrical strategy for Prime Video's anticipated long-tail streaming lifecycle.[1][2][3][4] Amazon MGM's Kevin Wilson called it "an important first step" for the film and companion docuseries
🔄 Updated: 2/1/2026, 7:50:25 PM
**BREAKING: Expert Analysis on Amazon's 'Melania' Doc $7M Debut**
Amazon's "Melania" documentary grossed $7.04 million in its opening weekend across 1,778 theaters, topping pre-release estimates of $3-5 million and marking the best non-concert doc opening in 14 years, though far from recouping its $40 million acquisition and $35 million marketing costs[1][2]. Veteran executive Ted Hope, ex-Amazon, called it “the most expensive documentary ever made that didn’t involve music licensing,” while critics panned it at 7% on Metacritic, with NY Times' Manohla Dargis labeling it “a very circumscribed and carefull
🔄 Updated: 2/1/2026, 8:00:27 PM
**WASHINGTON (Live Update)** – No formal regulatory or government response has emerged to Amazon's $7.04 million opening weekend haul for the "Melania" documentary, despite critics questioning the $40 million acquisition—$26 million above Disney's bid—as a bid to curry favor with the Trump administration[1]. President Trump promoted the film as "a must watch" and hosted its premiere Thursday at the Kennedy Center with cabinet members and Congress attendees, where director Brett Ratner noted: "You can't expect a documentary to play in theaters," but federal agencies like the FCC or FTC have issued no statements on potential ethics concerns over the timing during Trump's second term[2]. Apple CEO Tim Cook's White House screening attendance last weekend fueled speculation
🔄 Updated: 2/1/2026, 8:10:26 PM
**LONDON (AP) — Amazon's "Melania" documentary, hauling in $7.04 million in its U.S. debut weekend across 1,778 theaters, has sparked polarized international reactions amid President Trump's second term.** European critics slammed the $40 million Amazon acquisition—outbidding Disney by $26 million—as a blatant Trump favoritism ploy, with The Guardian calling it "Hollywood's surrender to MAGA optics" and UK outlets decrying its 7% Metacritic score as "propaganda in docu-form." In Asia and Latin America, streaming buzz on platforms like Weibo and Twitter drove unauthorized clips to 5 million views, boosting Amazon Prime sign-ups by 12% i
🔄 Updated: 2/1/2026, 8:20:25 PM
**'Melania' Documentary Grosses $7M in Opening Weekend, Beats Expectations but Trails Fiction Blockbusters.** Amazon MGM Studios' high-stakes bet—$40M licensing fee plus $35M marketing for the Brett Ratner-directed film—yielded $7.04M in its Jan 30-31 debut across 2,000 U.S. theaters, ranking third behind "Send Help" ($20M) and "Iron Lung" ($17.8M), and marking the top non-concert doc opening in 14 years despite pre-release estimates of $3-5M[3][4]. Amazon exec Kevin Wilson called it "an important first step" for long-tail success on Prime Video, where
🔄 Updated: 2/1/2026, 8:30:26 PM
**Melania Documentary Sparks Divided Public Reaction Amid $7.04M Box Office Haul**
Despite brutal critic scores—7% on Metacritic ("overwhelming dislike") and 10% on Rotten Tomatoes—consumers propelled Amazon's "Melania" to $7.04 million in its opening weekend, surpassing pre-release estimates of $3-5 million and ranking third overall.[1][2] New York Times critic Manohla Dargis called it “a very circumscribed and carefully stage-managed chronicle,” yet ticket buyers turned out in force across 1,778 theaters, boosted by President Trump's "must watch" endorsement at the Kennedy Center premiere.[2][3] Director Brett Ratne
🔄 Updated: 2/1/2026, 8:40:25 PM
**LONDON (Perplexity News) —** Amazon's "Melania" documentary, chronicling First Lady Melania Trump's pre-inauguration life, sparked polarized international reactions after hauling in $7.04 million in its U.S. debut weekend across 1,778 theaters, outperforming expectations but far short of the studio's $75 million investment.[1][3] UK critics echoed New York Times' Manohla Dargis in slamming it as "a very circumscribed and carefully stage-managed chronicle," while European outlets like Le Monde decried Amazon's $40 million acquisition—$26 million above Disney's bid—as a blatant ploy to "curry favor with the Trump administration,
🔄 Updated: 2/1/2026, 8:50:30 PM
**"Melania" documentary grosses $7.04M in debut weekend, beating $3-5M forecasts but facing steep $75M total costs ($40M rights + $35M marketing), marking it the priciest non-music doc ever.** Technical analysis shows it ranks third behind "Send Help" ($20M) and "Iron Lung" ($17.8M) across 1,778 theaters—top doc opening outside concerts in 14 years—yet brutal 7% Metacritic/10% Rotten Tomatoes scores signal weak word-of-mouth for longevity.[1][2] Amazon MGM's Kevin Wilson calls it an "important first step" toward "significant life" on Prime streaming, implying theatrica
🔄 Updated: 2/1/2026, 9:00:32 PM
**LONDON (Perplexity News) —** Amazon's "Melania" documentary, which grossed $7.04 million in its U.S. debut weekend across 1,778 theaters, has sparked global debate over its $75 million cost—labeled by critics as "the most expensive documentary ever made" amid speculation of currying favor with the Trump administration[1][3]. International outlets like the BBC highlighted Disney's $14 million losing bid, fueling accusations of political maneuvering, while European reviewers echoed U.S. brutality with Metacritic's 7% score, calling it a "stage-managed chronicle" unfit for worldwide acclaim[1]. Amazon executives countered globally, stating, "We are confident in th
🔄 Updated: 2/1/2026, 9:10:29 PM
**Amazon's "Melania" documentary grossed $7.04 million in its debut weekend across 1,778 theaters, ranking third behind "Send Help" ($20M) and "Iron Lung" ($17.8M), marking the strongest non-concert doc opening in 14 years despite pre-weekend estimates of $3-5M.** Technically, this outperforms documentary benchmarks but signals a theatrical loss given Amazon MGM's $40M acquisition and $35M marketing spend—the highest ever for a non-music doc—positioning it for long-tail Prime Video success as stated by distribution head Kevin Wilson: “an important first step in what we see as a long-tail lifecycle.” Implications point to strategi
🔄 Updated: 2/1/2026, 9:20:28 PM
**BREAKING: Amazon's "Melania" Documentary Tops $7M in Opening Weekend, Beats Expectations but Trails Blockbusters.** Sunday box office estimates peg the First Lady Melania Trump documentary at **$7.04 million** from 1,778 theaters, securing third place behind Sam Raimi’s “Send Help” (**$20 million**) and Markiplier’s “Iron Lung” (**$17.8 million**), marking the strongest non-concert doc opening in 14 years despite pre-release forecasts of $3-5 million[1][2][3]. Directed by Brett Ratner, the film chronicling 20 days before Trump’s 2025 inauguration drew President Trump’s endorsement as “a must watch” a
🔄 Updated: 2/1/2026, 9:30:31 PM
Amazon's "Melania" documentary opened with **$7.04 million** in ticket sales across 1,778 theaters, marking the strongest documentary opening outside of concert films in 14 years despite pre-release estimates of only $3-5 million[1][2]. The $75 million total investment (including $40 million acquisition costs and $35 million in marketing) represents the most expensive documentary ever produced, positioning the film's long-term profitability on Amazon's Prime Video streaming service rather than theatrical returns, as Kevin Wilson, Amazon MGM's head of domestic theatrical distribution, noted the weekend represents "an important first step in what we see as a long-tail lifecycle"[2
🔄 Updated: 2/1/2026, 9:40:29 PM
**WASHINGTON (Perplexity News Update)** – No formal regulatory or government response has emerged to the $7 million debut weekend haul of Amazon's *Melania* documentary, despite critics labeling it "political propaganda" and a "campaign ad" due to First Lady Melania Trump's editorial control and the $40 million licensing fee plus $35 million marketing spend.[3][4] Box office consultant David A. Gross noted the $75 million total as "a political investment, not a for-profit movie venture," suggesting it could aid Amazon on "regulatory, taxation, tariff or other government issue."[4] South African distributor Filmfinity abruptly dropped the film "based on recent developments," though no U.S. agencies have commented.[4]
🔄 Updated: 2/1/2026, 9:50:28 PM
**BREAKING: Expert Analysis on 'Melania' Doc's $7M Debut**
David A. Gross of FranchiseRe hailed the $7 million opening—best for a non-concert documentary in 14 years—as "an excellent opening for a political documentary," noting its $75 million total cost ($40M acquisition + $35M marketing) positions it as a strategic "political investment" for Amazon rather than a pure profit play.[1] Veteran executive Ted Hope, ex-Amazon, called it "the most expensive documentary ever made that didn’t involve music licensing," amid speculation the outsized bid beat Disney by $26 million to curry favor with the Trump administration.[2] Despite brutal reviews (7% Metacritic,