Robert Pattinson has addressed Chris Hansen’s criticism of Primetime, the upcoming A24 thriller in which he portrays the former To Catch a Predator host. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, Pattinson acknowledged Hansen’s concerns about the movie and said he hopes the real-life figure ultimately responds positively to the finished film.
The comments come as Primetime prepares for its theatrical release following its world premiere at the 83rd Venice Film Festival. Directed by Lance Oppenheim, the movie dramatizes a particularly controversial period in Hansen’s career and explores the line between television entertainment, journalism and the creation of a larger-than-life media persona.
Robert Pattinson Hopes Chris Hansen Connects With the Film
Pattinson was asked about Hansen’s objections during the Primetime press conference, including the former television host’s decision to purchase advertisements that appeared before screenings of the movie. In response, Pattinson told The Hollywood Reporter source,
“Obviously, I hope he likes the movie.”
The actor also explained that portraying Hansen was not something he originally intended to pursue. Pattinson said he had not initially set out to make a movie specifically about Hansen, but became interested after reading Ajon Singh’s screenplay and finding something “electrifying” in the material.
He suggested that the impact Hansen had on the people surrounding the original series was part of what made the character compelling. Pattinson said he hoped the inspiration Hansen provided over the years could be viewed as “some kind of compliment,” even though the film takes considerable creative liberties with his story.
Hansen has previously been more critical of Pattinson’s portrayal. In an interview with Variety, Hansen described the performance as “overly dramatic,” while acknowledging that Pattinson delivers a convincing imitation. Hansen also emphasized that the movie is a fictionalized interpretation of real events.
Why ‘Primetime’ Focuses on Hansen’s Larger-Than-Life Persona
Oppenheim revealed that his fascination with Hansen began when he encountered To Catch a Predator after seeing parodies of the program. The director said Hansen appeared almost mythological to him because of the host’s distinctive delivery and memorable lines.
That theatrical quality became central to Oppenheim’s approach to the character. He described Hansen as someone who transformed from a real person into a recognizable persona while continuing to work within an extremely serious and disturbing subject.
The film is loosely adapted from an Esquire source piece by Luke Dittrich and focuses on events surrounding Hansen’s work in 2006. Pattinson leads a cast that includes Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers and Bokeem Woodbine.
The controversy surrounding Hansen has also become part of the film’s publicity. According to Variety, Hansen previously said he visited A24 for a private screening but did not see the movie after being asked to sign an agreement. A source close to A24 disputed that characterization, saying the document was an NDA routinely required for preview audiences.
Primetime is scheduled to open theatrically in the United States on September 25, 2026. A24 officially lists Lance Oppenheim as director and Robert Pattinson, Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher and Bokeem Woodbine among the principal cast.