A24 Unveils First Clip from ‘Primetime’ Featuring Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen

Robert Pattinson has crafted an unpredictable film career, seamlessly transitioning from major blockbusters to avant-garde arthouse projects without committing to a single genre. His latest role may be his most unsettling yet, as he embodies one of the 2000s’ most controversial figures from true-crime television.

The film, titled ‘Primetime,’ is A24’s fictionalized portrayal of Chris Hansen, the host of ‘To Catch a Predator.’ Directed by Lance Oppenheim in his narrative feature debut, the movie chronicles Hansen’s efforts in creating the Dateline NBC series that utilized hidden cameras and undercover operations to confront adults accused of attempting to meet minors for sexual encounters, ultimately becoming a defining yet contentious element of early-2000s television.

Ahead of its wide theatrical release, A24 has released the first official clip from ‘Primetime,’ showcasing Pattinson’s transformation into Hansen. The brief clip features Pattinson’s Hansen initiating a conversation with a chillingly calm question: “Do you watch television?”

This moment encapsulates the film’s marketing tone. Since the initial teaser was released earlier this year, social media reactions to Pattinson’s uncanny portrayal of Hansen have been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans speculating that this role could earn him significant awards-season recognition.

Much of this buzz revolves around how convincingly Pattinson embodies Hansen, mimicking his unique vocal style and composed demeanor in a way that many viewers find genuinely eerie. The film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival reportedly received a lengthy standing ovation, suggesting that the awards chatter is likely to persist.

Joining Pattinson in the film is Phoebe Bridgers, who makes her acting debut, alongside Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Matthew Maher, Bokeem Woodbine, and Anna Faris. Pattinson also serves as a producer through his company, Icki Eneo Arlo, alongside Ari Aster, who is also credited as a producer.

Oppenheim directs from a script by Ajon Singh, marking a significant transition for the filmmaker after establishing his reputation with acclaimed documentaries like HBO’s ‘Ren Faire’ and ‘Some Kind of Heaven,’ which premiered at Sundance. Principal photography took place in New Orleans, wrapping in early 2025 under the working title ‘Bluefin Tuna.’

The film’s subject matter has not gone unnoticed by Hansen, who has publicly criticized the project. The film reportedly dramatizes the tragic 2006 case of Bill Conradt, a Texas prosecutor who died by suicide as police arrived at his home following a sting related to the show, an incident that led to the cancellation of the original series and a settled lawsuit against NBC.

This real-world context adds a layer of tension to the film’s marketing strategy, as A24 continues to build anticipation through festival acclaim and now this newly released clip.

With ‘Primetime’ set for a wide theatrical release later this month through A24, this latest clip provides just a glimpse of what is anticipated to be one of the most divisive and closely monitored films of the fall season. Given the positive critical reception from Venice and the increasing online discourse surrounding Pattinson’s performance, expectations for the film’s box office and awards potential continue to rise.

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