Robert Pattinson has responded to a real controversy. The actor addressed TV host Chris Hansen’s concerns about his upcoming biographical crime thriller.
Primetime is Lance Oppenheim’s first feature film. Written by Ajon Singh, the A24 crime drama premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 5, 2026. The film is loosely based on Luke Dittrich’s 2007 Esquire article and explores the rise and controversy surrounding To Catch a Predator.
However, the real-life newsman criticized the film, calling parts of it totally made up and Pattinson’s performance overly dramatic. He also said he was never consulted during the production.
Pattinson reacted calmly and respectfully when asked about Hansen’s remarks. “I hope he likes the movie,” The Batman actor told Variety. He explained that the film was never meant to be a traditional biopic covering Hansen’s entire life. Instead, it looks at the connection between TV news ratings, public spectacle, and true-crime stories.
“The more you watch the show, there’s something magnetic about his presence,” Pattinson said. “Something he’s doing is the reason why people are still talking about that show 20 years later.”
Robert Pattinson’s transformation into Chris Hansen for PrimetimeRobert Pattinson originally joined Primetime as an executive producer but later took on the lead role. He spent weeks studying Chris Hansen’s podcasts, audio clips, and Dateline broadcasts to copy his voice and delivery.
The Odyssey called the process “grunt work.” The preparation even followed him into daily life, as he sometimes caught himself repeating Hansen’s confrontational lines while walking around.
The American filmmaker described his version of Hansen as a cross between Jerry Maguire and Dracula. The film explores NBC’s 2006 newsroom and how Hansen’s team turned suburban sting operations into popular television.
It also examines the controversy surrounding the investigation of Texas prosecutor Bill Conradt, whose death contributed to the show’s downfall.
The cast includes Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Matthew Maher, and Phoebe Bridgers. Primetime hits theaters September 25, 2026.
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