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Melania’ Faces Weak Presales and Crew Backlash as Amazon Bets Big Ahead of Release

An unusually costly Amazon rollout faces skepticism as presales lag, with staff accounts portraying a troubled production.

Overview

  • The Brett Ratner–directed documentary opens January 30 in at least 1,400 U.S. theaters and more than 27 countries following a VIP White House screening and a planned January 29 premiere at the TrumpKennedy Center.
  • Early indicators point to soft demand despite President Trump’s claim that tickets are “selling out, FAST,” with NRG projecting about $5 million and Boxoffice Pro forecasting $1–$2 million for opening weekend as theater listings show many unsold seats.
  • A Rolling Stone report cites anonymous crew describing a highly disorganized shoot, with an estimate that roughly two-thirds of New York staff asked to be uncredited and several saying they regret participating.
  • Ratner’s return has renewed scrutiny due to prior sexual misconduct allegations and his appearance in DOJ Epstein-file materials, making this his first project in more than a decade.
  • Amazon MGM reportedly paid about $40 million for rights and spent around $35 million on marketing, with separate reports that Melania Trump received roughly $28 million from the licensing deal.