Chris Hansen Claims ‘Primetime’ Misused His Name and Considers Legal Action Against A24
The narrative surrounding Chris Hansen and ‘Primetime’ has intensified since A24’s true-crime drama hit theaters on September 25. The film premiered in competition at the Venice International Film Festival, where it reportedly received a seven-minute standing ovation before quickly transitioning to a wide North American release.
This film revisits the era of ‘To Catch a Predator’, the sting-operation series that aired from 2004 to 2007. Directed by Lance Oppenheim, the script by Ajon Singh adapts Luke Dittrich’s 2007 Esquire article, featuring Robert Pattinson as the host. The cast also includes Phoebe Bridgers, Merritt Wever, Sean Bridgers, and Skyler Gisondo.
On the commercial front, the movie has been a success. It debuted with $19.2 million from 2,863 theaters, marking the third-best opening in A24 history, with a production budget of just $15 million. The turnout was driven largely by younger audiences, with 69% of the opening crowd under 30, and the film boasts an 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Pattinson emerged as the main draw, with over 75% of exit-poll respondents citing him as their reason for attending. This also marks his second consecutive hit for the studio following ‘The Drama’.
The weekend box office was competitive, with ‘Primetime’ landing at No. 4 behind ‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ ($26 million), the ‘Resident Evil’ reboot ($23 million), and ‘The Heart of the Beast’ ($20 million), earning a B grade from CinemaScore respondents. Previews alone contributed $2.7 million, indicating strong curiosity surrounding the project.
However, the real-life host is not pleased. In an interview with Variety, Hansen expressed that the filmmakers “exploited me and my brand and my name image for commercial enterprise.” He added that many perceive the situation as identity theft.
Hansen described the film as entirely fictional, stating it retains only his name and a few catchphrases. He likened its tone to science fiction, highlighting the green-tinted visuals and the vampire-like depiction of his character, asserting that his mannerisms and lines were exaggerated dramatically.
He also mentioned that the filmmakers never consulted him before utilizing his name, image, and reputation. Hansen emphasized that he has spent 45 years building a valuable brand, and the studio was aware that associating his name would attract audiences.
A particularly sensitive aspect of the dispute involves Louis William Conradt Jr., an assistant district attorney in Murphy, Texas, who tragically died by suicide following a police sting coordinated with the show’s team. Hansen stated that nobody wished for that outcome, but he insists the film does not accurately portray the real story behind the investigation.
He also criticized the depiction of his personal and love life, claiming the film resorts to tabloid-style storytelling. For a journalist who has spent decades at ‘Dateline’, witnessing that portrayal of himself on screen was undoubtedly painful.
You see how this looks, right? Lance Oppenheim’s PRIMETIME produced by and starring Robert Pattinson as famed To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen, inspired by true events. Have a seat September 25. https://t.co/FvGyl2dIBs
— A24 (@A24) August 6, 2026
Hansen revealed that attorneys are reviewing the film, although he has yet to decide whether to pursue legal action. He has consistently maintained that nearly everything depicted in the movie is false, and he has not wavered from that position since viewing ‘Primetime’. The interview occurred shortly after he watched the film, during which he discussed what potential legal action against A24 might entail.
Meanwhile, he remains busy with TruBlu, the media platform he co-founded in 2020. It features ‘Takedown With Chris Hansen’, which launched in 2022 as a spiritual successor to the show central to the movie.
The timing is challenging for A24. One projection suggests the film could gross around $180 million worldwide, surpassing both ‘The Drama’ and ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ on the studio’s all-time chart.
Such success also keeps Hansen’s grievances in the limelight, as he joins a growing number of public figures who have voiced their discontent with Hollywood portrayals. Whether this situation will lead to a lawsuit or simply a public dispute remains to be seen.
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