Chris Hansen Reacts to Robert Pattinson’s Portrayal in A24’s *Primetime*

A24’s upcoming drama-thriller *Primetime* dramatizes former Dateline NBC host Chris Hansen’s work on the hidden-camera series “To Catch a Predator.” In a series of interviews, Hansen has repeatedly emphasized that the movie is a fictionalized account of real events and that he is not involved in its production.

Chris Hansen Gives His Verdict on Robert Pattinson’s Portrayal of Him in ‘Primetime’

When asked about Robert Pattinson’s depiction of him in the trailer, Hansen said the actor “obviously… practiced imitating me” and, while “overly dramatic,” delivered “a pretty good imitation.” He noted that his own opinion mattered less than the reaction of his family, adding that his wife and relatives thought the portrayal was satisfactory. Hansen also stressed that the film includes lines and actions he never said or did, distancing himself from the broader narrative.

Chris Hansen Gives His Verdict on Robert Pattinson’s Portrayal of Him in ‘Primetime’

Hansen alleges that A24 required him to sign a legal agreement that would relinquish his rights to his name, image, and brand, as well as any potential legal claims arising from the film. He refused to sign, and consequently was not shown an advance screening. A source close to A24 described the request as a standard nondisclosure agreement for preview audiences.

Chris Hansen Gives His Verdict on Robert Pattinson’s Portrayal of Him in ‘Primetime’

*Primetime* is scheduled to premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on September 5 and open nationwide on September 25. Despite his criticisms, Hansen purchased preshow advertising that runs before every screening, using the spots to promote his true-crime streaming service TruBlu.

Chris Hansen Gives His Verdict on Robert Pattinson’s Portrayal of Him in ‘Primetime’

• “I mean, obviously he has practiced imitating me, and while I think it’s overly dramatic, I think there is a pretty good imitation there in the trailer,” — Chris Hansen

Variety Magazine

• “The lawyers at A24 wanted me to sign away my rights to my name, image and brand, essentially, as well as any potential legal rights that would come out of the movie,” — Chris Hansen

Variety Magazine

• “He’s saying things I never said and doing things I never did, and that’s not who I am,” — Chris Hansen

Chris Hansen Gives His Verdict on Robert Pattinson’s Portrayal of Him in ‘Primetime’