Melania Trump Documentary Faces Uncertain Box Office Fate Amid Online Ridicule
The upcoming documentary film "Melania" is set to premiere in American theaters this Friday, but its commercial success remains highly uncertain. While the film has already become a viral sensation among online meme creators, early indicators suggest it may struggle to attract a substantial audience at the box office.
High-Profile Production and Marketing Push
Directed by Brett Ratner, known for the "Rush Hour" franchise, the documentary chronicles a critical twenty-day period leading up to the 2025 presidential inauguration. Amazon MGM Studios acquired the distribution rights for a reported $40 million in 2025, and has invested an additional $35 million in a comprehensive marketing campaign. This promotional effort included a high-profile appearance by the former First Lady, who rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday. She is also scheduled to attend the U.S. premiere at the Kennedy Center on Thursday night.
Divergent Box Office Predictions and Social Media Reality
Despite the significant financial backing and promotional activities, industry analysts are divided on the film's potential earnings. Some box office prognosticators project that "Melania" could generate approximately $5 million during its opening weekend, which would set a new record for a documentary release. However, more conservative estimates suggest a total closer to $1 million is more probable.
Contrary to claims by Donald Trump that tickets are "selling out fast," social media evidence paints a starkly different picture. Numerous users have shared screenshots and photos revealing alarmingly low ticket sales across the country:
- In the metro-Jacksonville area, a report showed not a single ticket sold for a prime-time opening night showing at the busiest local theater.
- At The Pen Centre cinemas, only 10 seats had been reserved across four separate Friday screenings.
- Similar reports emerged from Colorado, where just two tickets were reportedly sold for the film.
These visual confirmations of empty theaters have fueled a wave of online mockery, with commentators noting the "meme-level public disinterest" and the stark contrast between the film's marketed image as a major event and the reality of vacant auditoriums.
Online Mockery and Critical Reception
The documentary has become the subject of a widespread mocking-Melania-meme-a-thon across social media platforms. Popular X users and commentators have joined in, creating satirical content that questions public interest in the film and pokes fun at its promotional claims. For instance, one user humorously nominated the film for multiple awards in the "FIFA Oscars," a jab at Donald Trump's noted desire for accolades.
On the review platform Letterboxd, the film is reportedly being review-bombed, according to The Daily Beast, although no official critical reviews had been published as of Thursday afternoon. The online sentiment largely reflects skepticism and amusement, with many users expressing that they have little curiosity about the documentary's subject matter.
As "Melania" prepares for its theatrical debut, the combination of tepid advance ticket sales and a barrage of online ridicule presents a significant challenge. The film's performance this weekend will ultimately reveal whether the substantial investment and promotional blitz can overcome the current wave of public apathy and digital derision.
