Amazon has reportedly paid a staggering $40 million to license a documentary about former First Lady Melania Trump, directed by Brett Ratner. The deal, revealed by Puck News’ Matthew Belloni, also includes a “previously undisclosed two-to-three episode follow-up docuseries” featuring Melania, who is said to be actively participating in both projects.
The documentary marks Ratner’s return to the spotlight after years of professional exile following allegations of sexual misconduct by multiple women. Once known for directing blockbuster action films, Ratner’s involvement in the project has already generated significant media attention.
According to Belloni, Amazon’s investment goes beyond mere distribution rights, reflecting the company’s growing interest in high-profile, politically tinged content. The follow-up series is expected to provide deeper insights into Melania’s life and legacy, further leveraging her enigmatic public persona.
This significant expenditure coincides with a broader trend of tech giants contributing to Trump-related initiatives. Reports from Rolling Stone indicate that companies like Amazon and Meta have made large donations to Trump’s inauguration fund, with Trump himself allegedly monitoring corporate contributions.
“In the past few weeks, Trump has at times asked close allies about how much major corporations have donated to the inaugural committee and has sometimes inquired about specific companies by name,” Rolling Stone reported late last year. “Earlier this month, when the president-elect asked about one big-name corporation and was told it hadn’t donated, Trump replied, ‘Well, they better do it soon then.’”
The Melania documentary is expected to delve into her life as First Lady, her fashion influence, and her often-guarded personal narrative. The follow-up series is anticipated to explore her post-White House life, offering viewers a more intimate look at one of modern politics’ most private figures.
With Amazon betting big on the Melania Trump documentary and accompanying series, the project could prove a lucrative venture or spark fresh controversies, particularly given Ratner’s involvement. As the productions unfold, they are poised to draw significant attention from both supporters and critics of the former First Lady and the Trump administration.
