Melania Trump Documentary Faces Skepticism Ahead of Release
An entertainment industry insider has described the high-budget documentary featuring Melania Trump as a “farce,” casting doubt on its commercial viability just before its premiere. The film, which chronicles the first lady’s preparations for returning to the White House, debuted at the renamed Trump Kennedy Center, attended by President Donald Trump and the first lady.
Unprecedented Costs Raise Eyebrows
The production was acquired for a staggering $40 million, an amount far exceeding typical documentary deals that usually range from $250,000 to $750,000. Even high-profile scripted films rarely command more than $5 million in sales. Adding to the expense, an additional $35 million was invested in promotion, despite projections estimating just $1 million to $2 million in opening weekend earnings.
“The numbers simply don’t add up in any logical way,” the insider noted. “No one in the industry would greenlight a project like this expecting box office success.” Melania Trump stands to earn between $27 million and $28 million from the licensing deal, ensuring a financial win for those directly involved, even if theaters see sparse attendance.
Low Ticket Sales and Streaming Outlook
Online ticket platforms reveal minimal advance sales across multiple locations, with social media users sharing screenshots of nearly empty screenings. The insider predicts harsh feedback from both audiences and reviewers, emphasizing that the film’s true aim may lie beyond theatrical runs.
“It’s already profited the key players, so box office returns were never the goal,” the expert observed. The documentary is set to stream on the acquiring platform, where it could sustain visibility through targeted distribution. The narrative focuses on the transition back to the White House, but details like son Barron attending college as a sophomore undermine the family relocation angle, leaving just Melania and Donald in what the insider calls a simplistic storyline of “packing boxes.”
This setup, the insider argued, underscores the project’s promotional nature rather than genuine cinematic value, positioning it as an unusual venture in Hollywood standards.
