$75M film sees low ticket sales in major US & UK cities despite heavy promotion
New York & London | Web Desk: The highly anticipated documentary on First Lady Melania Trump has faced a rocky start, with ticket sales in major US and UK cities falling far below expectations. Despite extensive promotion, the $75 million production has struggled to attract audiences ahead of its 30 January release.
Reports indicate that many cinemas, including those in Times Square, New York, have sold only one or two tickets for prime-time shows, while social media users share images of nearly empty theaters. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s platform Truth Social continues to heavily promote the film.
The documentary, produced at a cost of $75 million, was purchased by Amazon for around $40 million, with an additional $35 million spent on marketing, promotion, and distribution. It claims to reveal previously unseen aspects of Melania Trump’s life, including her time in the White House East Wing, philanthropic work, and family life.
Several staff members involved in production have reportedly removed their names, calling the film propaganda, while Melania Trump is said to have received $28 million for participation. Critics have also noted that she continued to promote the film during tragic events, sparking public debate.
The poor pre-release response raises serious questions about the box office potential and overall public interest in the documentary.
