Former First Lady Melania Trump steps back into the spotlight with an unprecedented documentary project helmed by Rush Hour director Brett Ratner.
According to Daily Mail, Amazon has secured the licensing rights for the documentary and a follow-up docuseries about Melania Trump for an astonishing $40 million, outbidding major studios Disney and Paramount.
The documentary, which began filming in December, will offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Melania's life journey from 1970s Slovenia to the White House. The project, set for release in the second half of 2025, coincides with her husband's presidency and features Melania as an executive producer.
The streaming deal marks a significant victory for Jeff Bezos's film and television studio after intense competition with other major players. Disney and Paramount reportedly engaged in a heated bidding war for the streaming rights, while Netflix and Apple chose not to participate in the negotiations.
The agreement includes a theatrical documentary release and a docuseries consisting of two to three episodes. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Melania will maintain substantial involvement throughout the production process.
Amazon's spokesperson expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating their commitment to sharing what they described as a unique story with their global audience. The exact financial compensation for Melania's participation remains undisclosed.
The documentary deal comes amid Melania's increasing public presence and business ventures. She recently published a memoir that has dominated the New York Times bestseller list since its October release, preceding her husband's victory over Kamala Harris.
Melania has also launched several business initiatives, including a Christmas ornament collection featuring MAGA-inspired designs. The golden star ornaments, priced at $90 each, and other pieces at $75, reflect her previous role in decorating the White House during holiday seasons.
Her entrepreneurial endeavors extend to the digital realm, with the introduction of NFT collections on the Solana blockchain. These projects include the Her Love & Gratitude collection, featuring gold flower pendant designs available for $245.
Reports suggest Melania may adopt a part-time approach to her First Lady duties, balancing her time between Washington D.C. and private residences while her son Barron attends college. She has maintained a relatively low profile since leaving the White House but has recently increased her public appearances.
The former model has shown renewed engagement in political activities, particularly during the final weeks of Donald Trump's presidential campaign. Her husband acknowledged her heightened involvement in a Time magazine interview, noting her effective media presence and public appeal.
The documentary will chronicle Melania's journey from her early modeling career in Europe to her rise as a prominent figure in American politics. The production will continue filming throughout Trump's presidency, offering viewers unprecedented access to her life in the White House.
The $40 million Amazon documentary agreement represents a landmark media deal for Melania Trump, positioning her for increased visibility during her husband's upcoming presidency. The project, encompassing both a theatrical documentary and streaming docuseries, will provide an intimate look at her personal journey from Slovenia to First Lady of the United States. The documentary is scheduled for release in late 2025, coinciding with Donald Trump's return to the White House, while Melania balances her business ventures with potential part-time First Lady responsibilities.