Overview
- After an invitation-only premiere at the rebranded Trump Kennedy Center, the film began a global theatrical run with mainstream outlets denied entry to the advance screening.
- Amazon MGM Studios paid $40 million for rights and budgeted about $35 million for marketing, yet exhibitors and trackers report weak advance ticket sales and sparse turnout at early shows.
- Melania Trump executive produced and, according to advisers and attendees, held full editorial control, insisting the work is not a traditional documentary and focuses on the 20 days around the 2025 inauguration.
- Director Brett Ratner’s involvement marks a contentious comeback following past misconduct allegations he denies, and reports say many crew members asked to be uncredited.
- The deal has raised questions about corporate ties after Jeff Bezos dined with the Trumps before Amazon’s winning bid; the studio says it backed the film for audience interest, with a Prime Video window to follow.