According to entertainment columnist Rob Shuter, early projections suggest the film will open in the low single-digit millions domestically. Sources cited in Shuter’s Naughty But Nice newsletter say advance ticket sales have been underwhelming in key markets, including New York and Palm Beach.
“In New York, only a handful of seats have been booked,” one source said. “Palm Beach is no better. Even in Trump country, theaters are practically empty.” The source added that expectations were high, but early demand has not matched the film’s profile.
The documentary, titled Melania, was acquired by Amazon MGM Studios, which reportedly outbid Disney and Paramount in what several outlets have described as one of the largest documentary licensing deals in history.
Directed by Brett Ratner, the 104-minute film follows Melania Trump during the 20 days leading up to her husband Donald Trump’s January 20, 2025 presidential inauguration. The project offers rare behind-the-scenes access to the famously private former Slovenian model as she prepares for her role during her husband’s second term.
A second insider cautioned that visibility does not always guarantee box office success. “People are curious. It’s a high-profile project, but hype doesn’t always translate into ticket sales,” the source said.
The muted presales stand in contrast to recent documentary hits. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour sold out more than 4,200 screenings before its release and went on to gross $261.7 million worldwide.
Melania is set to premiere January 29 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., recently renamed the Trump Kennedy Center, before opening nationwide the following day.
On Instagram, Melania Trump, 55, shared a brief teaser for the film over the weekend, drawing mixed reactions. Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jr.’s ex-fiancée, commented “Epic!” with a flame emoji, while other responses ranged from praise to skepticism.
One supporter wrote, “The best First Lady ever, she understands the global needs and cultures,” while another critic joked, “This might be a movie worse than Carrot Top’s Chairman of the Board.” Others claimed they had already purchased tickets.
President Trump, 79, recently described tickets to the premiere as “a very hard get,” boasting that high-profile figures were eager to attend. “I’ve seen pieces of it. It’s incredible,” he said.
Melania opens in theaters across the U.S. on January 30, 2026.
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