“Melania” Documentary’s $75 Million Budget Draws Scrutiny as Director Pushes Back – Entrepreneur

The upcoming documentary Melania has found itself at the center of industry debate—not because of its content, but due to its unusually high $75 million price tag. Director Brett Ratner has publicly defended the cost, dismissing criticism and insisting the budget reflects the project’s scale rather than any improper influence.

The Amazon-backed production reportedly includes a full-length feature film alongside a three-part docuseries, a factor Ratner says critics are overlooking. Speaking to industry media, the filmmaker argued that the financial investment was necessary to deliver a cinematic experience rather than a conventional documentary.

Ratner Explains the Cost

Ratner, whose return to directing follows a lengthy absence after sexual assault allegations halted his career in 2017, described the backlash as exaggerated. He pointed out that significant funds were allocated toward premium music licensing and world-class production talent.

According to the director, the documentary required a higher budget than expected, even surpassing music costs from some of his most commercially successful films. He also emphasized that the project employed multiple top-tier cinematographers to meet theatrical standards.

Melania Trump echoed this sentiment, stating that the goal was to create a visually polished film suitable for theaters while also expanding the story through a serialized format. She praised Amazon for supporting the creative vision behind the project.

Amazon’s Bid Sparks Questions

Amazon reportedly secured the rights to Melania for $40 million following a competitive bidding process involving several major studios. Industry reports suggest the company significantly outbid competitors, fueling speculation over why the streaming giant was willing to pay such a premium for a documentary.

Additional marketing and theatrical distribution expenses reportedly pushed Amazon’s total investment to around $75 million. While Amazon has maintained that the deal was driven purely by confidence in audience interest, the scale of the purchase remains rare in nonfiction filmmaking.

Reports have also indicated that Melania Trump is set to receive a substantial portion of the licensing fee, potentially exceeding $28 million.

Political Allegations and Public Response

The documentary has also attracted political commentary. Some critics have questioned whether Amazon’s spending was intended to gain favor with the Trump family. Former President Donald Trump rejected these claims, calling them unfounded and stating that he had no involvement in the deal.

Ratner similarly denied any suggestion of wrongdoing, saying the budget was devoted entirely to production quality and would be justified once audiences see the finished film.

Industry Voices Push Back

Despite these defenses, skepticism within the entertainment industry remains strong. Several filmmakers and critics have noted that the budget far exceeds what is typical for documentaries, even those released theatrically.

Some industry veterans have described the investment as unprecedented, while others have raised concerns about the film’s artistic and journalistic intent. Late-night television commentary has also taken aim at the project, mocking both its cost and perceived motivations.

Box Office Expectations Appear Modest

Early box office forecasts suggest Melania may face challenges recouping its investment through theatrical release alone. Analysts project a modest opening weekend, with international ticket sales reportedly underperforming in key markets.

With streaming expected to play a major role in the film’s long-term performance, its ultimate success may be measured less by ticket sales and more by audience engagement on Amazon’s platform.

A High-Profile Gamble

As Melania approaches release, it continues to generate headlines for reasons beyond the screen. Whether viewed as an ambitious cinematic project or an unusually expensive experiment, the documentary has already secured a place in the spotlight—raising ongoing questions about the intersection of entertainment, politics, and corporate strategy.