Melania, a new documentary about First Lady Melania Trump, is projected to have a weak opening at this weekend’s box office.
Directed by Brett Ratner, Melania opens in theaters nationwide on Friday. The official summary for the film reads, “Melania offers unprecedented access to the 20 days leading up to the 2025 Presidential Inauguration — through the eyes of the First Lady herself.
“Step inside Melania Trump’s world as she orchestrates inauguration plans, navigates the complexities of the White House transition, and moves her family back to the Nation’s Capital. With exclusive footage capturing critical meetings, private conversations, and never-before-seen environments, Melania showcases Mrs. Trump’s return to one of the world’s most powerful roles.”
Melania opens in about 1,500 North American theaters on Friday. Variety is projecting that the film will earn $3 million in its first Friday to Sunday frame.
However, Variety reported, Melania was acquired by Amazon MGM Studios for $40 million and another $35 million was spent on marketing, which the trade publication calls “a staggering amount for a documentary.”
Meanwhile, Box Office Pro is projecting a $2 million to $5 million opening for Melania.
Director Details What Went Into The Cost Of ‘Melania’ At Film’s Premiere
In addition to the film, however, three episodes of Melania will stream on Prime Video, which are also a part of the project’s $40 million price tag.
President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and director Brett Ratner were all in attendance at the red carpet premiere of Melania on Thursday night at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. At the premiere, Ratner discussed the film’s expenses.
“I think it’s silly because there’s a feature film and three episodes. An almost two-hour feature film and three more episodes,” Ratner explained to Deadline. “We spent more money on music in this than I did on Rush Hour.
“I mean, top of the line, three best cinematographers in the world, at the highest level,” Ratner added while speaking to Deadline, in reference to the Melania project. “Eighty people on the first day of shooting in my crew. That’s not unheard of in a documentary. You put the money on the screen.”
Send Help, a survival horror thriller from Evil Dead trilogy filmmaker Sam Raimi starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, is projected to be the top earner among this week’s new releases.
Variety projected that Send Help will open with anywhere between $14 million and $17 million in ticket sales from 3,475 North American theaters against a $40 million production budget before marketing costs. Box Office Pro, however, is casting a wider net and projecting an opening of anywhere from $12 million to $17 million in domestic ticket sales.
