At a Glance
- President Donald Trump called the upcoming documentary Melania “incredible” after watching clips on Air Force One
- The film, acquired by Amazon MGM Studios for $40 million, premieres at the newly renamed Kennedy Center on Jan. 29 before its Jan. 30 theatrical release
- Director Brett Ratner, returning after 2017 misconduct allegations, helms the project
- Why it matters: The documentary marks both Ratner’s Hollywood comeback and the first major media portrayal of Melania Trump’s 2025 White House return
President Donald Trump offered a brief but enthusiastic review of first lady Melania Trump‘s upcoming documentary after screening portions of it aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Jan. 11.
“I’ve seen pieces of it, it’s incredible,” Trump told reporters during a press gaggle. “I think it’s going to do very– you know, she did a book and the book was a big number one bestseller, and this is a movie, and it seems to be captivating a lot of people’s attention.”
Film Details and Release Plans
The documentary, simply titled Melania, is scheduled for theatrical release on January 30. The night before, it will premiere at the newly retitled Kennedy Center, according to interim center president Ric Grenell.
Amazon MGM Studios reportedly purchased distribution rights for $40 million. A press release promises the film will showcase “unprecedented access to the 20 days leading up to the 2025 presidential inauguration – through the eyes of the first lady-elect herself.”
Promotional materials pledge:
- Exclusive footage of critical meetings
- Private conversations
- Never-before-seen environments
The trailer shows Melania preparing for official events, traveling aboard Air Force One, and sharing moments with son Barron during a rally.
Director Brett Ratner’s Return
The project marks director Brett Ratner‘s re-entry into major Hollywood filmmaking after a six-year absence. Ratner, best known for the Rush Hour franchise, stepped away from the spotlight in November 2017 when Warner Bros. ended its production deal with him following allegations from six women, including actress Olivia Munn, of sexual misconduct during the #MeToo movement. No criminal charges were filed.
Since then, Ratner maintained what News Of Losangeles described as a “low profile.” He drew renewed attention in December when Department of Justice-released Epstein files included photos of Ratner embracing late French model agent Jean-Luc Brunel, an associate of financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Production and Access
While the exact extent of White House cooperation remains undisclosed, the filmmakers secured enough access to capture intimate moments of the transition period. Scenes include:
- Behind-the-scenes preparations for inauguration events
- Air Force One travel sequences
- Family interactions away from public view
The documentary arrives as Melania Trump re-enters public life following her husband’s second inauguration. Her memoir, referenced by the president, previously reached number one on bestseller lists, suggesting built-in audience interest.
Industry Context
Ratner’s attachment to a high-profile release underscores Hollywood’s evolving stance toward figures accused during the #MeToo era. The $40 million acquisition price indicates significant commercial expectations despite the director’s controversial absence from major productions since 2017.
Distribution through Amazon MGM Studios places the documentary on a global streaming platform following any theatrical window, ensuring wide visibility for the first lady’s narrative.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump’s early endorsement could boost opening-weekend interest
- The January 29-30 premiere window positions the film within the administration’s first 100 days
- Ratner’s return may signal further opportunities for directors previously sidelined by misconduct allegations
- Exclusive access promises new insights into the 2025 transition period
