The release of Melania Trump's much-discussed biographical film has taken an unexpected turn, with the former First Lady facing online mockery over a promotional popcorn bucket tied to the documentary's cinema debut.
A Controversial Collectible
The 55-year-old's film, simply titled Melania, arrived in theatres across the United States on Friday. Alongside the screening, selected cinemas are offering a special commemorative popcorn container for purchase at $12.99. The novelty item, confirmed for sale by the Regal cinema chain in a statement to media outlets, has become an immediate focal point for social media derision and scepticism.
Defending the Marketing Move
In response to the surprise surrounding the product, a Regal spokesperson provided context, stating that collectible movie-themed containers are not unprecedented. 'Since the release of Barbie in July 2023, Regal has frequently offered these items across a wide range of film genres, including many non-fiction releases,' the representative explained. They cited examples like the Andrea Bocelli documentary, arguing it blurs the lines of the category. 'Several films about musicians have covered both band history and their music, so it would be difficult to claim Melania is the first documentary associated with a collectible container.'
Widespread Online Ridicule
Despite this defence, the bucket has been widely panned on social media platforms. Many users have expressed doubt that the item will find many buyers, with predictions of extremely sluggish sales mirroring anticipated poor ticket performance for the film itself.
- 'They may sell it. Will anyone buy it?' one user questioned pointedly.
- Another offered a sarcastic forecast: 'Yes, they'll probably sell about one bucket... plus or minus one.'
- A third commenter was blunt: 'Somehow I doubt there will be sales.'
- The sheer concept prompted disbelief from a fourth: 'This cannot be real...'
- Others resorted to humour, with one joking the bucket 'also doubles as a chamber pot! You won't miss a single moment of the movie.'
The Film's Content and Hopes
The documentary itself, which was secured by Amazon for a reported $40 million, follows Melania Trump during the twenty-day period leading up to her husband Donald Trump's presidential inauguration in January 2025. In a recent interview with Fox News, the former First Lady shared her aspirations for the project.
'I think in every scene they will see how I work, who I am, how I communicate with people and they will know me a little bit more,' she stated. Melania acknowledged her reputation for privacy, saying, 'I know they know I'm a very private person and a very selective person, what I do, what I don't do, when I talk, when I don't talk and that's my choice.'
Family Focus and Box Office Forecasts
During the interview, she also spoke warmly about her family, praising her 19-year-old son Barron as an 'incredible young man' who is now engaged with world affairs and conversations with his parents. She additionally billed former President Donald Trump as a 'unifier.'
However, despite the promotional efforts and media buzz, industry analysts are not optimistic about the film's commercial success. According to tracking data from the National Research Group, the Melania documentary is projected to earn only an estimated $5 million during its opening weekend, signalling a likely box office disappointment.
The combination of a controversial film subject and an unconventional, mocked merchandise strategy has created a perfect storm of public scepticism, leaving the legacy of this cinematic venture in doubt before it has truly begun.
