Paul Thomas Anderson and Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood have requested the removal of music from the 2017 film Phantom Thread after its unauthorized use in the Brett Ratner-directed documentary Melania. The music by Greenwood was licensed without consultation, prompting the pair to take action in early 2026.
Details of the Unauthorized Licensing Incident
According to a joint statement given to Variety, the segment of Greenwood’s score included in Melania was authorized by Universal without Greenwood’s knowledge, which they claim violates the composer’s agreement. While Greenwood does not personally control the copyright, Anderson and Greenwood have formally asked for the music to be withdrawn from the documentary’s soundtrack.
The Documentary’s Reception and Related Context
Melania focuses on the US First Lady in the months leading to the 2025 presidential inauguration. The film earned $13.35 million domestically within two weekends, though it failed to attract significant audiences in the UK, where screenings in London and other cities reported very low ticket sales, sometimes under double digits.
Jonny Greenwood’s Career and Recent Challenges
Jonny Greenwood has established himself as a prolific film composer, working on Paul Thomas Anderson’s films including There Will Be Blood, Licorice Pizza, and more recently, One Battle After Another. Greenwood has also faced criticism and pressure from pro-Palestinian activists and the BDS movement related to his collaborations with Israeli musician Dudu Tassa, which have been controversial due to performances in Israel amid political tensions.
Implications of the Music Removal Request
The demand to withdraw the Phantom Thread music from Melania highlights ongoing concerns around licensing transparency and artist rights within the entertainment industry. As Universal authorized the usage without Greenwood’s input, this case may prompt closer scrutiny of licensing agreements going forward, especially regarding composer approvals for third-party uses. The outcome could affect how documentary makers source music and respect original creative controls.
“Paul Thomas Anderson and Jonny Greenwood have asked for music from Phantom Thread to be withdrawn after it appeared in the new documentary Melania without the composer’s approval.” – Michael Lawson, Author
“While Greenwood doesn’t personally hold the copyright to the score, they say Universal authorised the third-party use without notifying him, which they describe as a breach of his composer agreement.” – Michael Lawson, Author
