Fact Check: Are ‘Melania’ movie tickets selling out fast, as claimed by Trump?

WASHINGTON, DC: Amid the premiere of the documentary film ‘Melania,’ which is based on First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump posted on his social media handle that the tickets are selling out fast. The claim has sparked speculations, with many questioning the factuality of the claim. Let us fact-check Trump’s remark about the film’s opening.

Claim: Donald Trump says 'Melania' movie is selling fast

As the documentary film ‘Melania’ premiered in theaters this weekend, Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Monday, declared 'Melania' a 'MUST WATCH.' “Get your tickets today — Selling out, FAST!”

According to a report by Puck News, the film will open in at least 1,400 theaters nationwide and in more than 27 countries this weekend, which is the biggest for a documentary release that reportedly cost Amazon and MGM Studios $40 million for the rights and another $35 million on marketing and distribution.

Fact Check: Misleading, as early ticket sales signal slow box office start

However, Puck reported that opening weekend projections so far are just a fraction of that hefty budget, with market research company National Research Group projecting a $5 million opening weekend. 

According to trade publication Boxoffice Pro, the opening is modest, between $1 million and $2 million.

According to Forbes, a Friday evening show at New York’s AMC Lincoln has sold just 45 of 122 seats, slightly over 36%, while other evening showings fared worse.

Meanwhile, AMC in Times Square has sold 6 of 99 seats, or 6%, while screening at the Regal Cinema has sold 5 of 88 seats, also about 6%.

Tim Richards, the chief executive of the large cinema chain Vue, told the Guardian that in the United Kingdom, ticket sales for the film are ‘soft.’

'Melania' offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the First Lady

The documentary, 'Melania,' is a full-length film and will give a close look at her life in the 20 days before the 2025 presidential inauguration. It will show how she managed her daily duties, family life, and the move back to Washington, DC. 

The film offers behind-the-scenes moments from her public and private life. The documentary was directed by Brett Ratner and produced by Amazon and MGM Studios. It is also one of the first big projects from the First Lady’s own production company.