As the new documentary about Melania Trump is about to debut, things aren’t going as planned. Scheduled for premiere on January 30, the film titled “Melania,” which her husband, Donald Trump, dubbed a “must-watch,” is facing troublingly low ticket sales, sparking both interest and criticism online.
Just last year, as Donald Trump prepared for his inauguration, Melania Trump introduced us to her ambitious film project. She had struck a substantial deal with Amazon, reported to be around $40 million, to have the rights to her story turned into a documentary. “My life is incredibly busy, and I wanted to share that with everyone,” Melania shared back then.
The documentary, originally planned for a later release in 2025, was moved up to begin its screenings across the United States this January. Enthusiasm seems most prevalent among her husband’s followers, as Donald Trump himself took to social media to back the film, urging people to grab their tickets quickly.
Struggling Ticket Sales and Republican Support
Despite the hype from supporters, the response to “Melania” hasn’t been the explosive success expected. Social media users have humorously documented theaters showing no tickets sold for numerous screenings.
Journalist Rob Shuter has reported a new twist: in regions where conservative support runs deep, Republican clubs are purportedly stepping in to fill seats by purchasing large numbers of tickets. “It’s more about appearances than actual interest,” insiders suggested, indicating that these tactics were aimed at preventing empty theaters.
In a bid to fill theaters, some clubs are distributing free or severely discounted tickets via their platforms, yet results remain feeble. As one source shared, “There’s a struggle to even give away these tickets.” Another insight termed it “less of a movie experience and more of a show of loyalty.”
Cinemas’ Approach to Unsold Screenings
This situation leads us to a common curiosity: what do cinemas actually do when no tickets are bought for a specific movie screening? During a discussion on Reddit, a user posed the question on whether movies still play without attendees.
Responses varied based on cinema policy. One user recounted their theater experience, explaining that movies would still start, but if no one showed up, operators were known to turn off the projector lamp soon after, saving resources.
Another shared that where they worked, showings would pause twenty minutes in. This allowance ensured that anyone arriving last-minute could still watch the film, but screenings were swiftly canceled if seats remained empty. Interestingly, these unsold screenings could prove advantageous for staff, as they often enjoyed a more leisurely cleaning routine afterward.
Melania Trump’s Optimism Amidst Challenges
Despite the slump in ticket sales, Melania Trump appears unfazed. Following a special preview at the White House on January 25, she conveyed her enthusiasm on social media, describing the event as “a historic moment.” Surrounded by close friends and cultural figures, she expressed deep gratitude for their support.
Melania reflected on the universal power of personal stories and their ability to inspire and connect people across time. Introducing “Melania” to this honorary gathering marked a significant milestone for her.
As the documentary steps into public view, only time will reveal whether ticket sales soar or continue their slow pace.
Have you decided if you’ll be watching Melania Trump’s new documentary? Feel free to discuss your thoughts with us.
