The “Selling Out Fast” Melania Trump Documentary Is Still a Flop
A documentary about a First Lady nobody cares about isn’t doing well in theaters? Why, frankly I am shocked! Where are all of MAGA supporters to fill those seats like they said they would? Surely couldn’t be because Brett Ratner has already been ousted from Hollywood for sexual misconduct–that’s not something they tend to care about, given their current company.
Said LADBible on Instagram, “Despite a major global rollout in over 100 theatres and millions spent on rights and marketing, ticket sales in the UK have been described as “soft” with reports of only a handful of tickets sold at some screenings, including just one ticket at a flagship London showing (at the time of writing this). “
Early reviews of the film were not looking good, either. The empty movie theater seating charts being shared widely on social media are another tell that perhaps Melania should stick with what she’s best at: Not caring.
Last week, during its glitzy private White House screening (which included more than a few other sexual predators), press were not invited. As reviews began to roll in, it was clear why, as it was called things like “unimpressionable.” One interviewer even stated, “I’d rather rewatch January 6th.”
A near-$100 million flop in this economy
Melania eked out its opening weekend with a $7 million. Top-performing markets included Dallas, Orlando, Tampa, Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, and West Palm Beach. So, really, no surprise there, given the strong religious conservatism.
$7 million for an opening weekend does make Melania one of the highest-performing documentaries in a decade. Factor in that this documentary targets older conservatives and those still loyal to the MAGA belief system, and it isn’t shocking to see that it managed to outperform its initial $5 million estimate.
However, for context, Amazon purchased it for $40 million plus, with an additional $35 million for marketing. Simply put: There is no way this film will recoup that. Trump supporters can bray all they want about Melania “dominating” the box office, but opening weekend sales are, historically, the highest. Let’s chat again next Monday, when Iron Lung outpaces Melania by a mile.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
