Chris Hansen has an honest reaction to Robert Pattinson’s upcoming movie Primetime. The former To Catch a Predator host has not seen the finished film yet. However, he said he has questions about the movie’s purpose after watching the trailer.
Hansen discussed Primetime during an interview on the Serialously with Annie Elise podcast. He said that he was not involved in making the film and wasn’t asked to serve as a consultant. The former host has thought of watching a private screening before giving his full opinion.
He said, “I’m going to get a private screening in the next week or so, and then I’ll be able to tell you whether I like it or don’t like it, and how dramatized it is. My suspicion is that they used my name because it helps in a commercial enterprise. And until I see the full movie, as a reporter, it’s sort of silly for me to talk about something that I haven’t seen yet.”
What is Robert Pattinson’s Primetime movie about?
Primetime is a 2026 drama-thriller from A24 and director Lance Oppenheim. The movie follows Hansen in 2006 as he works to make television history with To Catch a Predator.
The real series aired as part of Dateline NBC and became popular for its hidden-camera investigations. Hansen confronted men who arrived at sting houses after online conversations with people posing as minors.
Pattinson plays Hansen in the film, which also stars Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo and Phoebe Bridgers. Pattinson is also among the movie’s producers. The movie marks Oppenheim’s narrative feature directing debut. Ajon Singh wrote the screenplay, while A24 has set the theatrical release for September 25, 2026.
The 66-year-old has already watched the trailer and described it as “very dramatic.” He also questioned Hollywood’s reasons for making the movie. When asked about casting, Hansen said he had no say in choosing Pattinson and mentioned Denis Leary as someone he once considered for the part.
Originally reported by Surya Singh on ComingSoon.
