- Primary Subject: Robert Pattinson
- Key Update: Robert Pattinson responded to Chris Hansen's casting criticism for the biopic Primetime.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: September 8, 2026
- Quick Answer: Robert Pattinson respectfully addressed Chris Hansen's casting criticism, praising his magnetic screen presence and expressing hope that Hansen enjoys the Primetime film despite his skepticism.
Robert Pattinson recently weighed in on Chris Hansen's criticism of his casting in the upcoming biopic Primetime.
The To Catch a Predator host is the subject of the new film, which explores the making of the hit series and its peak popularity while it was airing. However, he wasn't involved in the project, and he has publicly expressed skepticism about how it depicts the events. He has also criticized Pattinson's casting as him.
What Is Robert Pattinson's Reaction to Chris Hansen's Primetime Criticism?
In an interview with People, Robert Pattinson reacted to Chris Hansen's criticism of his casting in Primetime. He expressed his hope that the TV host will enjoy the film.
"Obviously, I hope he likes the movie. You know, I never really set out to make a movie about Chris Hansen, I never really thought about it. And then I read the script, and there’s something electrifying about it," he said.
"I would hope in some ways, the amount of inspiration that his character has given so many people who are involved in this film for years now, I hope it’s some kind of compliment."
Pattinson also praised Hansen's influence and his magnetic presence when he was hosting To Catch a Predator. He emphasized how it inspired them to make a film about him.
"The more you watch the show, there’s something magnetic about his presence. I watched the show when I was younger and I didn’t even think about it," he added.
"And when you obsessively watch it, you realize there’s a strange alchemy with what’s going on: the aesthetics of the show, and how it was directed, and how things are put together, and the time period."
Pattinson continued, "But something [Hansen]’s doing is the reason why people are still talking about that show 20 years later. And it’s not to do, necessarily, with the subject matter."
So far, Hansen has not commented on Pattinson's remarks about his criticism of the film.
What Is Primetime About?
Primetime focuses on Chris Hansen, who sets out to make television history as he launches the series To Catch a Predator, where he confronts child sexual predators who arrive at a sting house and are arrested as a result.
The cast includes Robert Pattinson (as Hansen), Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Bokeem Woodbine, Anna Faris, Tony Revolori, and Jeff Zucker (as himself).
Lance Oppenheim directed the film in his narrative feature debut. It is based on Luke Dittrich's 2007 Esquire article "Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die." Hansen is not involved in the production.
The film is slated for release in North American theaters on September 25. It recently had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival.
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