Chris Hansen Weighs Legal Action Against A24 Over 'Primetime,' Buys Ads Ahead of Its Release

Chris Hansen says he has received legal advice suggesting he could have "a decent case" against A24 over its upcoming thriller Primetime, which depicts him on screen without his involvement or consent. Speaking on SiriusXM's The Dan Abrams Show, the veteran television host called the film's portrayal of him "very exploitive," "sneaky," and "disingenuous" Deadline.

Primetime, directed by Lance Oppenheim and starring Robert Pattinson as Hansen, is set to reach theatres on 25 September. The film follows Hansen as he attempts to make television history with NBC's To Catch a Predator (2004–2007), the hidden-camera series that confronted adults arriving to meet minors they had contacted online.

Hansen has not seen the film. He was invited to an advance screening, but A24's lawyers required him to sign an agreement waiving rights to his name, image, brand, and any potential legal claims arising from the movie before he could enter. Hansen refused. He described the document as unlike anything he has encountered in four decades working in television Variety. He also raised ethical concerns about the film's use of his name alongside the names of colleagues and family members Deadline.

In a pointed counter-move, Hansen has purchased advertising slots ahead of Primetime screenings to promote TruBlu, his own true-crime streaming network. The ad buys place his brand directly in front of audiences arriving to watch a film he has not been permitted to see and believes misuses his story.

TheWrap separately reported Hansen's comments under the headline "Chris Hansen Hasn't Ruled Out Legal Action Over A24's Primetime," confirming that he is actively exploring his options rather than issuing a passing complaint TheWrap.

What makes the situation unusual is the layered dynamic between subject and studio. A24 greenlit a theatrical thriller built around a real, living person's name and career. That person says he was asked to forfeit his right to challenge the film simply to watch a preview of it. Now he is both contemplating a lawsuit and buying commercial time inside the very release he may end up fighting in court.

A24 has not publicly responded to Hansen's remarks. The film opens in 28 days.