Robert Pattinson is stepping into the role of journalist and TV presenter Chris Hansen for the upcoming A24 film, “Primetime.” Hansen is most known for hosting the controversial reality series “To Catch a Predator,” which ran from 2004 to 2007.
The teaser trailer for the movie recently dropped, showing Pattinson in yet another new role that highlights his versatility as an actor.
The teaser trailer for A24’s upcoming crime drama film, “Primetime,” dropped on May 27, offering a first look at Robert Pattinson portraying TV host and journalist Chris Hansen.
Hansen hosted “To Catch a Predator,” a true crime series that was part of “Dateline NBC” from 2004 to 2007. The controversial show featured Hansen exposing adults accused of attempting to meet minors for sexual interactions through online decoys posing as underage teens. Upon arriving at a staged location, the suspects would be confronted by Hansen before being taken into custody by law enforcement.
The film’s storyline isn’t revealed in the teaser, but what viewers noticed was Pattinson’s narration, channeling Hansen to mimic the host’s voice and cadence of speech. “I’m Chris Hansen with ‘Dateline NBC, and you’re able to be a part of television history,” Pattinson says.
Viewers Praised Robert Pattinson’s Range
Apart from starring in the film, Pattinson also served as a producer on “Primetime.” It was directed by Lance Oppenheim and also features Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Matthew Maher, Bokeem Woodbine, Anna Faris, and Phoebe Bridgers.
Pattinson is highly regarded for taking on a wide variety of roles, and his portrayal of Hansen has people talking. The comments section for the movie’s trailer is flooded with comments about the actor, with many saying that they are looking forward to seeing the film, despite the role being an unexpected choice.
“Pattinson’s range will be studied for decades to come, genuinely insane how talented this guy is,” one wrote. Another added, “Pattinson is on a generational run, bro. His range is honestly amazing, and he’s slowly becoming one of the GOAT of this generation.”
The Controversy Over ‘To Catch A Predator’
Despite its short run, “To Catch a Predator” was a commercial and cultural success. However, the show was also marred by controversies. Many claimed the show sensationalized justice and blurred the lines between journalism and vigilantism. There were also allegations that the show used aggressive entrapment tactics to lure suspects.
The show was canceled in 2007, following a tragic end to a sting operation. In 2006, Texas Assistant District Attorney Bill Conradt was the subject of a sting operation for allegedly soliciting sex with a minor. Authorities worked with Perverted-Justice and “To Catch a Predator” on the case.
The show’s camera crew and a SWAT team surrounded Conradt’s home to serve an arrest warrant. Before they could do so, however, they heard a gunshot. Conradt was rushed to the hospital but later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Chris Hansen On The Show’s Cancellation
Following Conradt’s death, his sister filed a wrongful death lawsuit against NBC, alleging “To Catch a Predator” prioritized ratings over safety and pushed law enforcement to arrest Conradt at his home. Conradt’s family sued for $109 million.
In 2008, the lawsuit was settled out of court, with an attorney for the Conradt family saying, “the matter has been amicably resolved to the satisfaction of both parties.” The settlement amount was not revealed.
“To Catch a Predator” was canceled in 2007, with both the network and Hansen saying the show had “run its course.” In an interview with TIME in 2015, Hansen said, “At the end of the day, we had proved our point.”
Robert Pattinson’s Role Sparks Awards Predictions
Pattinson’s portrayal of Hansen already has industry predictors, critics, and fans buzzing. “I feel like this might be his best shot at an Oscar in his career so far,” one fan noted, which was echoed by many others.
The 40-year-old actor has a massive slate of films for 2026. In April, he starred opposite Zendaya in “The Drama,” which will be followed by Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” scheduled for release in July. Pattinson is also set to appear in the third installment of the “Dune” franchise, premiering in December. The actor will also reprise his role as Bruce Wayne in the “Batman” sequel, though it won’t come out until next year.
“Primetime” is scheduled to hit theaters sometime in September 2026.