Melania documentary premieres at Kennedy Center amid slow ticket presales globally.
Melania Trump’s much-anticipated documentary, aptly titled “Melania,” is poised to make its debut on Thursday evening at the illustrious Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The premiere will feature both Melania Trump and her husband, former President Donald Trump, making a notable appearance on the red carpet a day prior to the global theatrical launch of the film. However, early ticket sales appear to be underwhelming, with reports indicating low presale numbers ahead of its official release.
The documentary offers an exploration of Melania Trump’s experiences during the pivotal 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025. It is designed to provide viewers with an unprecedented glimpse into the inner workings of the Trump family’s return to the White House, as detailed in an official statement made by Trump at the New York Stock Exchange, where she participated in ringing the market’s opening bell. She expressed her hope that the film would illuminate a significant moment in American history as seen through the lens of an incoming first lady.
The premiere at the Kennedy Center is an invite-only event, which is accompanied by a nationwide simulcast across 21 theaters aimed at generating excitement for the film. Following the premiere, “Melania” is set to be released in approximately 1,600 theaters worldwide, including around 1,500 in the United States alone.
Despite the high-profile launch, enthusiasm for the documentary appears to be lacking, as evidenced by initial ticket sales figures. Estimates suggest that some theaters are experiencing sales in single digits, particularly in locations such as Palm Beach, Florida, where only 13% of available seats have been sold out of a total of 1,770. In New York City, several AMC theaters reported selling as few as five tickets, even at discounted rates.
The documentary has already debuted in Australia, where reports indicate that ticket sales are starkly low—two tickets were sold for three screenings in Sydney, one of which was purchased by a reviewer. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was reported to have invested million for the rights to produce the film, with an additional million allocated for marketing. Industry analysts predict that the film’s box office earnings may struggle to surpass even million.
As the film approaches its release date, it remains to be seen how audiences will react and whether Melania Trump’s narrative will resonate with viewers. The low presales indicate a challenging road ahead for this high-profile documentary.
