Melania Trump‘s big-budget documentary, Melania, earned $7.04 million at the opening weekend box office
The film’s box office total marks the biggest opening for a non-fiction film in the last decade, Deadline reported. The previous record holder was 2023’s After Death, which had a $5 million opening, per the outlet.
Pre-release estimates for the film eyed a $3 million to $5 million debut, according to Variety.
Melania premiered at the newly rebranded Kennedy Center on Thursday, Jan. 29, ahead of its global theatrical release on Friday, Jan. 30.
The film, backed by a $40 million deal with Amazon MGM Studios and a $35 million marketing campaign, shows selective glimpses of the first lady’s life in the weeks leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025.
The project marks director Brett Ratner’s return to the big screen after being accused by six different women, including actress Olivia Munn, of sexual misconduct during the #MeToo movement, however no criminal charges were filed against him.
The first lady, 55, who also served as an executive producer on the documentary, held a private first viewing of Melania at the White House on Saturday, Jan. 24 — while protests were unfolding in Minneapolis in response to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol — calling the friends and family film screening “a historic moment.”
“I am deeply humbled to have been surrounded by an inspiring room of friends, family, and cultural iconoclasts at the White House last night. Each of these individuals brought their unique vision to the world, making a lasting impression,” she wrote in a Jan. 25 post on X.
“Our personal stories endure time and serve as a reminder of our mutual obligation to one another. It was an honor to present my new film, MELANIA, ahead of its global launch,” she added.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Power