Why was the Melania documentary pulled from South Africa?

The Melania documentary was pulled from its South African release due to significant box office struggles and a steep decline in ticket sales during Super Bowl weekend.

What are the critical reviews for the Melania documentary?

Critics have largely panned the Melania documentary, resulting in a very low score on Rotten Tomatoes, though audience scores have remained exceptionally high.

When will the Melania documentary be available on Prime Video?

The streaming release date for the Melania documentary has not been announced, but it is expected to debut on Prime Video soon, following its theatrical run.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Melania Doc Pulled in South Africa Amid Box Office Woes

Melania Doc Pulled in South Africa Amid Box Office Woes

8 Feb

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Summary

Melania documentary abruptly pulled from South African release.
Film faced a steep box office decline during Super Bowl weekend.
Critics panned the film, but audience scores showed a wide gap.

Melania Doc Pulled in South Africa Amid Box Office Woes

The documentary 'Melania,' chronicling the first lady's life in the 20 days before her husband's second inauguration in 2025, has encountered release issues in South Africa. The film faced a significant box office decline over Super Bowl weekend, sparking concerns about its theatrical performance. Amazon MGM Studios noted the film's initial strong opening, calling it a win for cinemas and a validation of their distribution strategy ahead of its Prime Video debut.

Despite the expensive marketing campaign, international grosses have not been reported, suggesting limited business in over 20 countries where it is playing. Domestically, the film added theaters but continued to struggle. Critics have widely panned 'Melania,' resulting in a very low score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audience scores have remained exceptionally high, leading to speculation about review manipulation which the platform has denied.