The upcoming Amazon documentary about Melania Trump has stirred apprehension among many, including Secret Service agents, due to its director, Brett Ratner's, controversial past.

According to the Daily Mail, The project has drawn scrutiny for Ratner's unprecedented access to the Trump White House and his association with past misconduct allegations.

Tension has arisen from Amazon's $40 million investment in the Melania Trump documentary despite notable concerns over Ratner's direction. The White House granted Ratner, who has faced sexual misconduct allegations without charges, access that many considered extraordinary. The documentary's filming spanned over a 30-day period, which raised alarms among Secret Service agents tasked with protecting the premises.

A Resumed Career Amidst Controversy

Melania Trump's connection secured the director, who has not helmed a film in a decade, an unusual opportunity. Ratner was a guest at Mar-a-Lago during the production phase, staying in an eight-bedroom house. Some speculate that Melania Trump, a reported admirer of Ratner, was unperturbed by his "canceled" status, potentially playing a pivotal role in his involvement.

Fernando Sulichin produced the documentary and was instrumental in bringing Ratner on board for the ambitious project. Known for facilitating interviews with global figures such as Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, and Vladimir Putin, Sulichin's involvement was seen as crucial to the production.

Moreover, Ratner and Sulichin's prior collaboration includes the contentious "The Putin Interviews" series with Oliver Stone, further enhancing the film's provocative nature. Insiders noted Sulichin's remarkable ability to connect with influential individuals, even if the reasons behind his access remain enigmatic.

Amazon's Bold Investment in Prime Content

Amazon's acquisition of the project has not been without speculation. The steep price tag attached to the documentary led some to question if it was an effort by Amazon's higher-ups, potentially including Jeff Bezos, to curry favor with Donald Trump following his presidential victory over Kamala Harris.

As reported by Puck's Matthew Belloni, Amazon outbid other major studios like Disney and Paramount for streaming rights, indicating a competitive interest in securing exclusive content. However, significant contributions from streaming giants Netflix and Apple were not forthcoming, suggesting a calculated risk taken by Amazon.

Jen Salke, head of Amazon Studios, was reportedly involved in the project under potential directives from higher management. Remarks from an insider questioned Salke's genuine enthusiasm for the film, hinting at the complex decision-making involved.

Sequel Rumors and Release Plans

With filming completed, rumors have emerged about a possible sequel to the Melania documentary, again under Ratner's direction. This prospect further intrigues audiences and industry players alike, anticipating an ongoing narrative.

The studio plans to release the documentary in the latter half of 2025, starting with a limited theatrical run. Following its cinema debut, Amazon's Prime Video will stream the film, reaching a global audience.

This timing coincides strategically with Melania Trump's recently published memoir, "Melania," which has achieved a New York Times best-seller status. Additionally, it marks an intriguing period of renewed interest in political figures associated with the Trump administration.

Secret Service and Public Reaction

The Secret Service's discomfort with the filming process reveals the complexities surrounding the blend of high-profile political access and entertainment projects. Balancing security protocols with a director's unfettered entry presented unique challenges.

The Melania Trump documentary project embodies the intersection of Hollywood and politics, raising questions about narrative control and the repercussions of past controversies. The public's reception and critique of both the film and Ratner's redemption arc remain to be seen.

As anticipation builds, the documentary stands as a testament to Amazon's aggressive pursuit of provocative content and the ever-present intrigue surrounding the Trump family. Observers will be keen to appraise how such a high-stakes documentary will resonate within the wider social and political landscape.