‘Melania’ Earns $8 Million Opening Weekend, Marking Best Documentary Debut In Over 10 Years

The First Lady’s debut film premiere “Melania” made box office history by earning $8 million on opening weekend.

The documentary took the top spot for Best Showing for a documentary in a decade, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The outlet reported that the MGM flick was also the most expensive documentary ever filmed, with Amazon’s investment of $75 million for distribution and marketing rights.

“Melania” kicked off with a historic worldwide premiere in 27 countries January 30.

The First Lady’s documentary is the first- release under her new production label, Muse Films.

The film beat out Jason Statham’s new action film in a third-place finish, behind “Send Help,” and “Iron Lung,” but beat out action star Jason Statham’s “Shelter,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The film generated a lot of industry buzz and attracted an impressive list of VIP’s to Thursday night’s premiere in the Kennedy Center in Washington. The high-profile guest list included television personality Dr. Phil and reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, as well as rapper Waka Flocka Flame. Second Lady Usha Vance, Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, FBI Director Kash Patel and border czar Tom Homan were also in attendance. (RELATED: South African Firm Yanks ‘Melania’ Premiere Days Before Launch)

“Melania” attracted conservatives in the South and South-central part of the country, and was specifically embraced by females over the age of 55, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The outlet reported that demographic comprised 72% of the opening-day audience, and 78% of the total tickets sold.