Robert Pattinson plays predator-catching host Chris Hansen in Primetime trailer
Developed over time first seen 2 months ago
A24 has released a new trailer for Primetime, a crime thriller starring Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, the former host of NBC’s To Catch a Predator. The film revisits the programme’s televised stings of suspected online predators and examines the tension between public-interest investigations, entertainment and sensationalism.
Directed by Lance Oppenheim in his first narrative feature, the film is set during the programme’s peak popularity, when its ratings success raised ethical questions about its methods and motives. Pattinson also produces alongside Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen; the cast includes Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Anna Faris and Phoebe Bridgers, from a screenplay by Ajon Singh.
- Pattinson portrays Chris Hansen in A24 thriller Primetime.
- The film revisits To Catch a Predator’s controversial televised stings.
- It explores justice, ratings and media spectacle.
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Primetime is an upcoming crime thriller from A24, the film studio known for distinctive independent releases, starring Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen. Hansen is a real journalist who became famous in the 2000s as the host of To Catch a Predator, a segment on the American network NBC where suspected sexual predators were confronted on camera after being lured to staged meetings, often as part of joint operations with police and volunteer groups.
The show was hugely popular but also controversial, with critics questioning the ethics of its methods and how much it was driven by ratings rather than genuine public interest. Primetime is directed by Lance Oppenheim, making his first scripted feature, and looks at that period through a dramatised lens, exploring the tension between the show's stated aim of catching offenders and its nature as television entertainment.
The film is produced by Pattinson alongside director Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen, and features a cast including Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Anna Faris and musician Phoebe Bridgers, with a script by Ajon Singh. Its release comes with A24's growing reputation for star-driven, often unconventional takes on real events and public figures.
More coverage
- Consequence — Robert Pattinson Hunts Predators for Glory in Primetime Trailer: Watch
- Variety — ‘Primetime’ Trailer: Robert Pattinson Suits Up as ‘To Catch a Predator’ Host Chris Hansen in A24 Crime Thriller
- Deadline — ‘Primetime’ Trailer: A24 Releases First Full Look At Lance Oppenheim’s ‘To Catch A Predator’ Drama Starring Robert Pattinson As Chris Hansen
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Originally published by Collider as “Robert Pattinson Takes Down Predators in Intense First Trailer for New Crime Thriller”.