Robert Pattinson Responds to Chris Hansen’s Criticism of Primetime: “I Hope He Likes the Movie”

Robert Pattinson has addressed Chris Hansen’s criticism of Primetime, the upcoming A24 movie in which he portrays the former To Catch a Predator host. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival following the movie’s premiere, Pattinson said he hopes Hansen will eventually watch the film and appreciate the inspiration behind the performance.

Hansen has previously questioned the film’s accuracy and said he was disappointed that the filmmakers did not involve him. He has also discussed the possibility of legal action, making Pattinson’s latest comments one of the first direct responses from the actor to the controversy surrounding the movie.

Robert Pattinson Explains His Approach to Playing Chris Hansen

During the Venice press conference, Pattinson was asked about Hansen’s concerns regarding Primetime. The actor responded,

“Obviously, I hope he likes the movie,”

while explaining that Hansen’s presence and influence on To Catch a Predator became increasingly fascinating to him during his preparation. 

Pattinson said he had watched the television program when he was younger but gained a different perspective after studying it more closely for the film. He described Hansen’s screen presence as having a “strange alchemy” involving the show’s visual style, direction and the era in which it was produced. Pattinson also suggested that Hansen’s influence extending decades beyond the original broadcasts demonstrates how memorable his television persona became.

Primetime is directed by Lance Oppenheim and is inspired by Hansen’s work on To Catch a Predator. According to A24’s official film page, the story is set in 2006 and follows Hansen as he attempts to make television history. Robert Pattinson leads the cast alongside Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher and Bokeem Woodbine.

Why Chris Hansen Has Criticized Primetime

Hansen has not yet watched the finished movie but has already questioned how closely it reflects real events. He previously described the project as disappointing and argued that much of what appears in the trailer did not happen in reality, while also criticizing the decision not to consult him during production.

Director Lance Oppenheim has previously responded to Hansen’s reaction, saying he was looking forward to hearing what the real-life television host thought once he had seen the film. The controversy has added another layer to a movie that already examines the complicated relationship between entertainment, public humiliation and so-called performative justice.

The film has nevertheless received a strong response from critics following its Venice premiere. The Hollywood Reporter described Primetime as an examination of moral superiority, public shaming and reality television, while the movie received a lengthy standing ovation at the festival.

Primetime is scheduled to arrive in theaters on September 25, 2026.