"Amazon acquired the rights to the movie in early 2025 for $40 million. The company ran a flashy rollout for the film, spending $35 million on marketing, leading to questions about whether such a hefty price tag included earning President Trump's favor or trying to. Melania is one of the most expensive documentary films ever made, with the first lady herself taking on the role of an executive producer."
"Critics have panned the movie, which premiered at the Kennedy Center last week with protesters dressed as Marie Antoinette outside. TikTokers encouraged viewers to instead watch Becoming, Michelle Obama's 2020 Netflix documentary, which broke the service's top 10 most popular movies in the U.S. over the weekend. Documentaries rarely receive wide theatrical releases, but Melania opened on more than 1,500 screens throughout the U.S. this weekend."
Melania Trump's documentary outperformed opening-weekend expectations, bringing in about $7 million domestically. Audience composition was largely white (75%), women (70%), and aged 55 or over (72%). Amazon MGM Studios reported top markets including Dallas, Orlando, Tampa, Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta and West Palm Beach. Amazon acquired U.S. rights in early 2025 for $40 million and spent roughly $35 million on marketing. The first lady served as an executive producer, making Melania among the most expensive documentary films. Critics panned the film and protesters gathered at its Kennedy Center premiere. TikTok users urged viewers to watch Michelle Obama's Becoming instead.
Read at www.npr.org
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