Robert Pattinson is entering 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 one more latest 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 primary take a look at Robert Pattinson portraying TV host and journalist Chris Hansen.
Hansen hosted “To Catch a Predator,” a real crime series that was a part of “Dateline NBC” from 2004 to 2007. The controversial show featured Hansen exposing adults accused of attempting to fulfill minors for sexual interactions through online decoys posing as underage teens. Upon arriving at a staged location, the suspects can be confronted by Hansen before being taken into custody by law enforcement.
The film’s storyline isn’t revealed within 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 also you’re capable of be an element of television history,” Pattinson says.
Viewers Praised Robert Pattinson’s Range
Other than starring within the film, Pattinson also served as a producer on “Primetime.” It was directed by Lance Oppenheim and likewise features Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Matthew Maher, Bokeem Woodbine, Anna Faris, and Phoebe Bridgers.
Pattinson is very regarded for taking over a wide range of roles, and his portrayal of Hansen has people talking. The comments section for the movie’s trailer is flooded with comments concerning the actor, with many saying that they’re looking forward to seeing the film, despite the role being an unexpected alternative.
“Pattinson’s range shall be studied for many years to come back, genuinely insane how talented this guy is,” one wrote. One other added, “Pattinson is on a generational run, bro. His range is truthfully amazing, and he’s slowly becoming one in every of the GOAT of this generation.”
The Controversy Over ‘To Catch A Predator’
Despite its short run, “To Catch a Predator” was a industrial and cultural success. Nevertheless, the show was also marred by controversies. Many claimed the show sensationalized justice and blurred the lines between journalism and vigilantism. There have been 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 topic 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 might achieve this, nonetheless, 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 rankings 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 each parties.” The settlement amount was not revealed.
“To Catch a Predator” was canceled in 2007, with each the network and Hansen saying the show had “run its course.” In an interview with TIME in 2015, Hansen said, “At the tip 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 could be his best shot at an Oscar in his profession thus far,” one fan noted, which was echoed by many others.
The 40-year-old actor has a large slate of movies for 2026. In April, he starred opposite Zendaya in “The Drama,” which shall be followed by Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” scheduled for release in July. Pattinson can also be set to seem within the third installment of the “Dune” franchise, premiering in December. The actor may also reprise his role as Bruce Wayne within the “Batman” sequel, though it won’t come out until next 12 months.
“Primetime” is scheduled to hit theaters sometime in September 2026.