The documentary film **Melania**, directed by Brett Ratner and distributed by Amazon MGM Studios, has seen its theatrical release expand following a stronger-than-expected opening weekend.
The film, which provides an intimate look at Melania Trump’s life and role as First Lady during the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, initially opened in approximately 1,778 theaters across the United States and Canada, with additional international screenings in 27 territories.
Due to solid initial performance, the film added around 200 screens shortly after its debut, bringing the total domestic run to about 2,000 locations in some markets.
The theatrical rollout is notable for a documentary, as the genre typically receives limited releases rather than wide distribution.
The film’s opening weekend gross reached approximately $7 million domestically (with figures cited between $7 million and $7.2 million, and some early projections up to $8.1 million before final tallies). This marked the strongest opening for a non-concert documentary in over a decade, surpassing previous benchmarks such as the $5 million debut of “After Death” in 2023. Industry expectations had ranged from $3 million to $5 million, making the result a positive surprise for Amazon MGM Studios. The per-theater average was reported around $3,960.
Production and marketing costs for “Melania” were substantial compared to typical documentaries. Amazon MGM Studios acquired the rights for $40 million and allocated an additional $35 million for promotion, totaling around $75 million. The campaign included television advertisements during NFL playoff games, outdoor placements in various cities, and special theater items like commemorative popcorn buckets.
A related docuseries is also part of the $75 million production deal, though details on its release remain undisclosed.
Critical reception has been largely negative, with a 12 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 17 reviews. Audience scores, however, are significantly higher, at 99% positive on the same platform, suggesting strong support from viewers who have seen the film.
“It’s beautiful, it’s emotional, it’s fashionable, it’s cinematic, and I’m very proud of it,” the first lady said during Thursday’s red carpet premiere. “Some have called this a documentary. It is not. It is a creative experience that offers perspectives, insights and moments.”
