US President Donald Trump praised First Lady Melania Trump’s documentary ‘Melania’ for its box office success, while joking about the challenges of having “two stars” in one family, according to People.
Speaking with reporters at his Board of Peace event in Washington, D.C. President Trump highlighted the documentary’s strong opening, which earned USD 7.04 million during its first weekend. “She has a very successful movie out right now, like number one. Can you believe this?” he said.
Trump added humorously, “Big movie star. I always say it’s trouble, because I always say there’s not room in one family for two stars. I told her that we can’t have two stars in one family... The theaters are all packed. Women, especially, they go back, and they see it two or three times, four times,” as quoted by People.
Melania premiered at the newly rebranded Kennedy Center on Thursday, January 29, ahead of its global theatrical release on Friday, January 30.
The film, backed by a USD 40 million deal with Amazon MGM Studios and a USD 35 million marketing campaign, shows selective glimpses of the first lady’s life in the weeks leading up to President Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, according to People.
Melania, 55, who also served as an executive producer, held a private first viewing at the White House on January 24, while protests were taking place in Minneapolis over the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol. She called the screening “a historic moment.”
Writing on X on January 25, she said, “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 added, “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.”
Despite a strong debut, the documentary’s box office has since dropped sharply. According to IMDbPro, the third weekend saw a 62 per cent decline compared to the previous week, with ‘Melania’ grossing USD 15.4 million to date.
The documentary’s release was preceded by Melania’s announcement in November of her new production company, films”>Muse Films.
Senior adviser and agent Marc Beckman told People magazine that films”>Muse Films will continue producing lifestyle content for film and television, focusing on areas like fashion, art, music, sports, entertainment, technology, family, health, and wellness, according to People.
Source: ANI
--Agencies
