‘Melania’ Documentary Crew Members Reportedly Wish to Stay Uncredited
First Lady Melania Trump’s anticipated and controversial new documentary, titled Melania, hits theaters in January 2026. Backed by a reported $40 million acquisition from Amazon MGM Studios and directed by Brett Ratner, the film promises unprecedented access to the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s 2025 presidential inauguration. Early promotional efforts included a star‑studded White House screening attended by important public figures. However, a new report suggests the crew who worked on Melania wants nothing to do with the film. Here’s what to know.
The majority of the ‘Melania’ documentary crew reportedly asked to remain uncredited on the film
The Melania documentary offers audiences a rare, up‑close look at one of the most private figures in modern American politics. The film chronicled the 20 days leading up to Melania Trump’s role as First Lady in her husband’s 2025 presidential inauguration. The film follows her across Washington, New York, and Mar‑a‑Lago as she navigates the complex White House transition. And the footage includes quiet moments of conversation with aides and glimpses of her relationship with son Barron Trump.
Melania executive-produced the film herself, offering behind-the-scenes moments and exclusive access. However, not everyone wants their name attached to the project. The Daily Beast reports that two-thirds of the filmmakers requested that their names be left off the end credits, according to Rolling Stone. A source told Rolling Stone, “I’m much more alarmed now,” and wished they had known to remove their name beforehand.
Yet another source talked of the chaotic environment in which they worked to create the film. “Unfortunately, if it does flop, I would really feel great about it,” they added. And another filmmaker said they’re “uncomfortable” with the “propaganda element.”
The crew alleged that director Brett Ratner made the on-set conditions difficult, as crew members allegedly couldn’t have meal breaks.
Brett Ratner spoke about politics in 2007
Brett Ratner’s name comes with commercial success and controversy, known for high‑energy blockbusters like Rush Hour and Red Dragon. His career was significantly disrupted following multiple sexual misconduct allegations in 2017, which he denied. This led to a years-long hiatus from mainstream Hollywood filmmaking. Ratner’s return comes with the 2026 documentary Melania.
In 2007, Ratner spoke about politics during an interview with Rotten Tomatoes with Chris Tucker.
“I just want a Democratic president in office; whoever’s the best candidate,” Ratner said at the time. “I wanna be with the winner, and I don’t know who the winner is. Nah, that’s a joke. Really, I’m auditioning them. They come over to my house, they speak, I help them raise money, and I’m gonna vote for the best person for the job. I don’t know who that is yet because I think it’s too early.”
Ratner added that he’s “not as political” as Rush Hour star Tucker. “What I try to do is invite people in Hollywood who don’t even vote to my house to see what it’s about,” he continued. “… I’m interested in introducing people to politics so they can make up their own minds. I’m not saying they need to choose the Democratic Party, but I want them to hear what they have to say.”
The White House showed an advanced screening of ‘Melania’ ahead of the wide release
The Melania documentary received a special black-tie screening hosted at the White House on Jan. 24, 2026. First Lady Melania Trump described the event as a “historic moment,” noting how she felt “deeply humbled” to present the film to a select group of about 70 guests. The intimate gathering took place amid ongoing renovations to the White House’s usual screening spaces, leading organizers to erect a temporary cinema where an orchestra played the film’s theme. Guests enjoyed custom black-and-white treats and branded popcorn buckets, matching the documentary aesthetic.
Marc Beckman, who serves as Melania Trump’s outside adviser and a producer on the film, has repeatedly described Melania as a non-political, deeply personal portrait of the first lady. “This is not a political film at all,” Beckman said, according to Reuters.
Melania is slated for theatrical release on Jan. 30, 2026.
