Although First Lady Melania Trump is the subject of this documentary, Hollywood's attention has instead focused on its director.
Brett Ratner was once a red-hot figure in Hollywood, but he vanished from the scene after directing *Hercules* in 2014. This was due to sexual harassment allegations brought against Ratner by six actresses, including Olivia Munn and Natasha Henstridge, in a report by the *Los Angeles Times*, which led to him not directing any films since.
However, Ratner's latest film, *Melania*, is a stark departure from the popular commercial blockbusters he is known for, such as the *Rush Hour* series or *X-Men: The Last Stand*. The film was released on January 30 and is scheduled to launch on Amazon Prime Video later this year.
Additionally, *Variety* and Deadline have reported that Ratner is set to direct the currently in-development *Rush Hour 4*. Does this signal Ratner's return to Hollywood? "I don't think so," says Jeff Bock, senior analyst at Exhibitor Relations. "I think it's the only work he could find."
Amazon MGM acquired *Melania* for $40 million. The film chronicles the 20 days leading up to President Trump's 2025 inauguration from the First Lady's perspective, taking the audience along as Melania attends various meetings and prepares for the family's return to the White House. The 55-year-old First Lady also established her own production company, Muse Films, prior to the film's release.
The film has sparked significant controversy, including questions regarding the timing of its release. For instance, just hours after federal immigration enforcement agents shot and killed ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minnesota, Melania proceeded with her plans to host a private screening of *Melania* at the White House for friends, family, celebrities, and Amazon executives.
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