Approximately two-thirds of the crew members who worked on Melania in New York requested not to have their names credited on the documentary, according to a new report from Rolling Stone.
The film, which follows First Lady Melania Trump during the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, opens in theaters nationwide on Friday. Amazon MGM Studios paid $40 million for the rights and has reportedly spent an additional $35 million on marketing.
MELANIA, in theaters Friday pic.twitter.com/y5KeeUFP3v
— FLOTUS Report (@MELANIAJTRUMP) January 28, 2026
“The Worst Part”
Crew members who spoke to Rolling Stone described the production as “highly disorganized” and “very chaotic,” with long hours and difficult conditions.
Director Brett Ratner — who has not made a film since six women accused him of sexual assault and harassment in 2017 — was a particular point of frustration.
“I feel a little bit uncomfortable with the propaganda element of this,” one crew member said. “But Brett Ratner was the worst part of working on this project.”
From @BrettRatner on Instagram:
“Thank you @melaniatrump for the opportunity to collaborate with you and entrusting me to bring your vision to life. It’s been honor to work beside you during this past year. I look forward to showing the world what an incredible First Lady you… pic.twitter.com/TwBKdGvM4X
— FLOTUS Report (@MELANIAJTRUMP) January 27, 2026
Another staffer described a day when the crew wasn’t allowed to break for meals — but Ratner got his own food anyway. “Brett, unknowingly or maliciously, got his own food, went up there, was just eating it and just licking his fingers in grubbiest way possible, either being a dick or having no awareness whatsoever to the fact that everybody else is working and no one’s eating.”
“I Would Really Feel Great About It”
One crew member told Rolling Stone they hope the film fails.
“Unfortunately, if it does flop, I would really feel great about it,” the staffer said.
Another person who will be credited said they now regret the decision. “I’m much more alarmed now than I was a year ago.”
Melania Herself
The First Lady drew no complaints. Staffers called her “friendly,” “totally nice,” and “very engaged” — “the opposite of Brett Ratner,” one said.
Melania served as executive producer and was involved in every aspect of production, including the creative process, trailer, color correction, music selection, and marketing. She has reportedly earned $28 million from the licensing deal.
The Countdown Begins. Reserve Tickets Now.
MELANIA
January 30, 2026 [Only In Theaters Worldwide] pic.twitter.com/ErZE7mxL55— Amazon MGM Studios (@AmazonMGMStudio) January 20, 2026
The film opens Friday in approximately 1,400 theaters. BoxOfficePro projects a $1-2 million opening weekend — against Amazon’s reported $75 million investment.
Rolling Stone’s Tessa Stuart has the full report.
