Chris Hansen Says He Had Little Involvement in Primetime
Chris Hansen is speaking publicly about Primetime, the upcoming A24 psychological thriller inspired by his work on To Catch a Predator. Hansen says he was not involved in the movie’s creative process and was only approached after production had already taken place.
Robert Pattinson plays a character based on Hansen in the film, which is directed by Lance Oppenheim. According to A24, Primetime is set in 2006 and follows Hansen as he attempts to make television history.
Hansen discussed the project during an August 17 interview with podcaster Annie Elise. He said he remains cautious about judging the film because he has not yet watched the complete version.
Instead, he plans to form an opinion after a private screening.
Hansen Questions the Film’s Approach
Hansen said he has questions about why Hollywood chose to tell his story in this particular way.
His comments came after he watched the movie’s trailer. While he acknowledged the dramatic nature of the preview and recognised Pattinson’s popularity, Hansen said he wanted to see the finished film before deciding whether it accurately represented his experiences.
That distinction is important because Primetime is not presented as a documentary. A24 describes it as a film centred on a fictionalised dramatic interpretation of events surrounding Hansen’s work. The Venice Film Festival also lists the movie as a U.S. production directed by Oppenheim, with a 110-minute running time.
Robert Pattinson Plays Chris Hansen
Pattinson’s casting has become one of the most notable parts of the movie’s marketing.
The actor portrays Hansen during the period when To Catch a Predator was gaining widespread attention. The original television series became known for its hidden-camera investigations involving adults who believed they were communicating with minors online.
Hansen, however, said Pattinson would not have been his personal choice for the role.
He previously imagined comedian and actor Denis Leary playing him, depending on the period of Hansen’s life being portrayed. Hansen also made clear that the casting decision was not his to make.
What Is Primetime About?
Primetime looks back at Hansen’s work in 2006, when his investigative television career was closely associated with To Catch a Predator.
A24’s official synopsis says Hansen sets out to make television history. The film takes that premise into psychological-thriller territory rather than simply recreating the format of the original television programme.
The movie is directed by Lance Oppenheim and features Pattinson alongside Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher and Bokeem Woodbine.
The Venice Film Festival has selected Primetime for its 83rd edition and placed it in the Venezia 83 competition. Its public screening at the festival is scheduled for September 5, with another public screening listed for September 6.
When Will Primetime Be Released?
Following its Venice appearance, Primetime is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release on September 25, 2026, according to A24.
The Venice premiere gives the movie an early international spotlight before its wider theatrical rollout.
That timing could also make Hansen’s eventual reaction especially interesting. For now, he has avoided giving the movie a definitive assessment because he has not seen the complete film.
Chris Hansen Is Still Working in Investigative Television
Although To Catch a Predator ended years ago, Hansen has continued working in investigations involving alleged online sexual predators.
His current series, Takedown with Chris Hansen, premiered in 2022 and continues to feature Hansen working on sting operations. The series is available through TruBlu, and current episode listings show new seasons continuing in 2026.
This ongoing work gives Hansen a direct connection to the subject matter explored in Primetime. However, the movie remains a separate dramatic production rather than a continuation of his television investigations.
Hansen Wants to See the Finished Film Before Judging It
For now, Hansen’s position is relatively measured.
He has expressed doubts about the way the project came together and questioned the motives behind dramatising his story. At the same time, he has stopped short of dismissing the film without seeing it.
That leaves his final assessment open.
Once Hansen watches the private screening, his reaction could provide another perspective on how closely Primetime reflects the real events and public image surrounding his career.
For audiences unfamiliar with the original television controversy, the film may also introduce a new generation to the story behind one of the most recognisable investigative television personalities of the 2000s.