The Newshound

Robert Pattinson says he was 'trying to make him cool' but Chris Hansen is not a fan of his 'Primetime' portrayal

From the Newshound archive · first published 12 October 2026 · last updated 13 October 2026.

Robert Pattinson, who stars as Chris Hansen in A24 thriller *Primetime*, was told by Hansen the film is "so bizarre and so in-and-out of reality.
Robert Pattinson, who stars as Chris Hansen in A24 thriller *Primetime*, was told by Hansen the film is "so bizarre and so in-and-out of reality.
Chris Hansen, whose portrayal in *Primetime* he has slammed as "so detached from reality," despite Robert Pattinson telling the BFI London Film Festival the film is "not an indictment of Chris as a person at all.
Chris Hansen, whose portrayal in *Primetime* he has slammed as "so detached from reality," despite Robert Pattinson telling the BFI London Film Festival the film is "not an indictment of Chris as a person at all.

Robert Pattinson has revealed he approached his portrayal of TV host Chris Hansen in A24 thriller 'Primetime' as an admirer, telling ET he was "trying to make him cool" — only for Hansen to repeatedly slam the film as "so detached from reality." Pattinson, 40, stars as Hansen in the psychological thriller directed by Lance Oppenheim, dramatising the making of NBC's child-predator sting show 'To Catch a Predator'. The film is currently in cinemas and is set for Australian and New Zealand release on 29 October.

'Primetime' premiered at Venice before opening in US cinemas on 25 September, debuting in second place at the box office with $8.49 million.

Hansen has criticised Pattinson's performance, calling the film "so bizarre and so in-and-out of reality" after attending a screening.

Pattinson told the BFI London Film Festival the film is "not an indictment of Chris as a person at all" but an exploration of a pivotal moment in reality TV history.

MoreBBC NewsRobert Pattinson on new film Primetime and how hunting predators became hit TVEvening StandardRobert Pattinson says new film is ‘not an indictment’ of TV host Chris HansenFacebookAlthough Chris Hansen has made clear the feeling is not mutual, 'Primetime's Robert Pattinson admits he's a fan of the 'To Catch a Predator' host. Read more below. - FacebookVariety AustraliaWatch Robert Pattinson Transform Into Chris Hansen in ‘Primetime’ Camera Test Ahead of Australian Release - Variety Australia
Read today's full feed at The Newshound →