Chris Hansen Reacts After Finally Watching Robert Pattinson Film Primetime

Chris Hansen has finally watched Primetime, the new film starring Robert Pattinson as a fictionalized version of the former To Catch a Predator host and he has some strong thoughts about the movie.

Hansen, 67, shared his reaction in a video posted to social media on Friday, September 25, after watching the film in a theater. He described the movie as “bizarre” and said it was frequently detached from the reality of his experiences while conducting investigations for the television program.

“Obviously I’m not objective because the character is, you know, me,” Hansen said in the video. He added that the film felt far removed from what he experienced during the investigations, both at the time and in the years since.

Hansen Had Previously Criticized the Film

Hansen’s reaction comes after months of publicly questioning Primetime and the decision to make a fictional film based on events associated with To Catch a Predator.

Before watching the movie, Hansen questioned the filmmakers’ motives and expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to have Robert Pattinson portray him. He previously said he would have preferred actor Denis Leary for the role, arguing that Leary’s age was closer to his own.

Hansen also said he was not consulted about the production and had considered taking legal action over the way his name and likeness were used.

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He previously declined an opportunity to watch the movie before its theatrical release after objecting to a nondisclosure agreement associated with the screening.

According to reporting on the dispute, the film’s representatives characterized the agreement as a standard NDA used for preview audiences to protect an unreleased movie from spoilers.

Robert Pattinson Plays Hansen

Directed by Lance Oppenheim and written by Ajon Singh, Primetime dramatizes Hansen’s work on To Catch a Predator in 2006.

The film is not presented as a documentary. A24’s official synopsis describes it as a story about Hansen setting out to make television history in 2006, with Pattinson playing the central character. 

Oppenheim has explained that he wanted to maintain his own creative interpretation of the material rather than involve Hansen directly in the production. Pattinson has also previously said he hoped Hansen would like the movie. 

The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month before receiving its theatrical release on September 25.

Hansen’s Reaction Adds Another Chapter to the Debate

Hansen’s first reaction after actually seeing Primetime adds another chapter to the public discussion surrounding the movie.

While the film draws from real people and events connected to To Catch a Predator, it is a dramatic work rather than a documentary account of Hansen’s career. His comments therefore offer the perspective of the real-life figure being portrayed, while the filmmakers have maintained their own creative approach to the story.

Primetime is now playing in theaters.