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Melania’ Premieres in Washington as Weak Sales and Ethics Questions Test Amazon’s $40 Million Bet

Unusually low presales collide with a record rights price to cast doubt on the project’s viability.

Overview

  • Melania and President Trump attended a Washington premiere at the newly renamed Trump-Kennedy Center after a private White House screening days earlier.
  • Early indicators point to soft demand, with a London Vue matinee reportedly selling a single ticket and industry forecasts signaling a low opening despite a wide U.S. rollout.
  • Amazon’s reported $40 million rights deal and roughly $35 million marketing push far exceed documentary norms, with some reports saying the First Lady receives about 70% of the license fee.
  • Amazon declined broad press screenings, while crew accounts described chaotic production and director Brett Ratner’s selection reignited scrutiny over past allegations he has denied.
  • South Africa’s distributor Filmfinity pulled the release citing “recent developments,” and the film is expected to move to Prime Video after a limited theatrical window with no date announced.