A second documentary series focusing on former first lady Melania Trump is slated for release this fall, according to Marc Beckman, a producer and adviser to Trump. The announcement comes after the first documentary, titled "Melania," was released in January to mixed reviews and significant financial losses.
Beckman stated on the conservative media network Real America’s Voice that the upcoming series will offer a "completely different look at her world" compared to the initial film. He indicated that the new project would delve deeper into her private life, her marriage, her family, her career, and her philanthropic efforts. Beckman also suggested the series might provide a glimpse into the potential "beginning of the new 47th presidential administration" should her husband, former President Donald Trump, win the upcoming election.
In June, Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, confirmed the development of a companion docuseries, noting that the first film "did really well" and that they would have "another bite at the apple" with the new release.
The initial documentary, "Melania," reportedly cost Amazon MGM $75 million and grossed $16.6 million worldwide. The film received a low aggregated critic score of 10% on Rotten Tomatoes. It faced controversy from its inception due to its director, Brett Ratner, who has faced accusations of sexual harassment or misconduct. The documentary was reportedly licensed for $40 million by Amazon MGM.
James Carville, a Democratic strategist, had previously suggested that the sum paid for the documentary was a generous gift to the Trumps rather than a standard business transaction. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, however, defended the acquisition as a "very wise business decision" in a May interview with CNBC, denying any involvement in the film's financial performance or any intent to curry favor with Donald Trump.
Beckman, who has been described as one of Trump's key advisers, was recently the subject of criticism and labeled "delusional" for his effusive praise of the former first lady.