Melania Trump's High-Stakes Documentary Arrives in Theaters Amid Intense Scrutiny
A controversial documentary centered on former first lady Melania Trump is poised for its theatrical debut this Friday, following a star-studded yet contentious screening at the White House. The film, titled "Melania: Twenty Days to History," has already generated significant buzz and criticism, with Amazon MGM Studios leading a massive financial push to ensure its success.
Major Studio Investment and Executive Producer Role
In a notable move back in 2025, Amazon MGM Studios secured the distribution rights to the documentary by outbidding industry giants Disney and Paramount, paying a substantial $40 million for the privilege. Melania Trump herself serves as an executive producer on the project and is reported to have personally earned $28 million from the deal, which also includes a planned three-part follow-up docuseries.
The documentary chronicles the twenty-day period leading up to the 2025 inauguration of her husband, former President Donald Trump. Adding to the film's high-profile nature, President Trump enthusiastically endorsed it on his Truth Social platform, declaring it a "MUST WATCH" and urging his followers to purchase tickets quickly, claiming they were selling out fast.
Unprecedented Marketing Campaign and Box Office Concerns
Beyond the initial acquisition cost, industry reports indicate Amazon is committing an additional $35 million to promote the film's release. This ambitious marketing budget supports a rollout across approximately 1,400 to 1,500 theaters in the United States and Canada, as well as an undisclosed number of cinemas in 27 other countries worldwide.
Despite this aggressive campaign, the documentary faces skepticism regarding its commercial viability. Early reports from both North America and Europe suggest "soft" ticket sales, leading critics to question whether the film can turn a profit given its enormous total investment of $75 million. The high-profile push for a documentary is itself considered unusual within the film industry.
Controversial Director and On-Set Tensions
A significant point of controversy revolves around the involvement of director Brett Ratner, known for blockbusters like "X-Men: The Last Stand" and the "Rush Hour" franchise. Ratner's hiring has drawn criticism due to past allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct from at least six women, including actors Natasha Henstridge and Olivia Munn in 2017. Although Ratner denied the claims, he became a pariah in Hollywood until being approached for this project.
Marc Beckman, Melania Trump's agent and senior adviser, defended the decision to hire Ratner during a promotional interview on Fox Business and with the Los Angeles Times. Beckman praised Ratner's "massive talent" and his ability to create visually stunning, emotionally resonant work, but notably did not address the historical allegations against him. Beckman's agency had previously collaborated with Ratner on a Jordache jeans campaign.
However, Ratner's involvement has sparked backlash. After Apple CEO Tim Cook was photographed with him at the White House screening, online calls to boycott Apple emerged. Furthermore, a Rolling Stone report published Monday cited anonymous production team members who described the set as "highly disorganized, very chaotic." One crew member expressed discomfort with the project's "propaganda element" and identified working with Ratner as the worst aspect of the experience.
Creative Vision and Theatrical Ambition
Promoting the film, Beckman explained the rationale for a theatrical release, stating that Melania Trump envisioned a "highly cinematic, gorgeous, highly stylized film appropriate for theaters." He emphasized that the documentary offers beautiful visuals and a first-class sonic experience, aiming to captivate audiences on the big screen.
As "Melania: Twenty Days to History" prepares for its global premiere, it stands at the intersection of political narrative, high-finance filmmaking, and cultural controversy, making its box office performance a closely watched event in the entertainment world.
