Melania Doc Bets on Big Theatrical Return Amid Cautious Box-Office Signals

Amazon MGM Studios’ Brett Ratner–directed Melania opens in roughly 1,500 U.S. theaters with tracking around a $5 million debut—a potential high for a documentary not a concert film, though many expect a lower figure given a soft box office climate. The campaign leans heavily on high-profile premieres and TV spend, with marketing reported in the mid‑$30s millions and a Prime streaming plan to follow. The release pits the First Lady documentary against Rachel McAdams’ Send Help and comes amid controversy and scrutiny of Ratner’s involvement, making its box‑office result a notable test for political‑era doc demand.