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Earlier this year, the self-titled documentary “Melania” premiered, accompanied by a unique piece of movie memorabilia-a branded popcorn bucket featuring the former First Lady’s image. This limited-edition collectible, originally sold for $12.99 at Regal Cinemas, has since become a sought-after item on resale platforms like eBay, where prices now range from $18 up to $60, with some sellers even offering bundles.
The documentary, an Amazon-backed $40 million production, explores the 20 days leading up to the 2025 Presidential Inauguration. Despite its high-profile subject, the film received sharply divided reactions: critics largely dismissed it, awarding a mere 10% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audience ratings soared to an impressive 98%.
Regal Cinemas’ decision to produce a collectible popcorn bucket for a documentary is notable, as such merchandise is typically reserved for blockbuster fiction films. According to Kevan Karr, senior communications manager at Regal, this move reflects an evolving trend where certain documentaries blur the lines between fiction and non-fiction, making collectible containers increasingly common across diverse genres. He pointed to other examples, such as musical documentaries, that have similarly received promotional merchandise.
The film debuted in theaters in late January, grossing around $7 million during its opening weekend and ultimately earning approximately $16.6 million worldwide over six weeks. Currently, “Melania” is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
Critical reception was overwhelmingly negative. Reviewers described the film as unengaging and self-promotional.
John Serba of Decider remarked on its tedious pace, suggesting viewers might struggle to stay awake, while John Semley from The New Republic labeled it a “bad, totally un-entertaining self-serving spectacle.” Yet, some viewers found value in the documentary’s behind-the-scenes perspective, praising it as informative and fascinating, regardless of their political stance.
As for the popcorn bucket, it has found a niche among collectors and curious fans alike, with buyers expressing enthusiasm over their purchases and plans to preserve them as cultural time capsules. Whether as a piece of memorabilia or a symbol of the documentary’s controversial reception, the Melania popcorn bucket has carved out a surprising legacy in the world of film collectibles.