‘Melania’ expected to tank at the box office

A documentary about the First Lady, Melania Trump, is set to release in about 1,500 theaters this weekend, and is expected to earn just $3 million, nowhere near the $35 million Amazon spent in its marketing campaign.

The streaming giant reportedly also paid $40 million to obtain the movie rights following a post-election bidding war.

The film, named Melania, follows the first lady during the 20 days leading up to her husband’s second inauguration and aims to show her transition into public life, family roles, and White House responsibilities.

The release comes during nationwide protests and renewed scrutiny of US border policies, adding political weight to the film’s debut.

It is directed by Brett Ratner, who also directed Rush Hour.

The film faces stiff competition from Sam Raimi’s Send Help, projected to open at $17 million, Jason Statham’s action thriller Shelter, and YouTuber Markiplier’s Iron Lung.

The documentary had a private screening at the White House recently, with Apple CEO Tim Cook in attendance, and he is being slammed online for it. The screenings came mere hours after Border Patrol agents killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.

With mixed audience interest and high costs, the film may struggle to justify the investment, despite the attention it has received.