Robert Pattinson says he is a Chris Hansen fan behind Primetime role

Robert Pattinson says he is a fan of Chris Hansen and tried to make the broadcaster look cool in Primetime.

The comments to ET were reported by Deadline on 11 October 2026. Pattinson plays Hansen in the film. He keeps it simple. He likes the man.

Primetime is an A24 thriller directed by Lance Oppenheim and written by Ajon Singh, according to Deadline. A24 is the independent studio releasing the film. The story is based on a 2007 Esquire magazine article by Luke Dittrich and portrays Hansen's work on NBC's To Catch a Predator, which aired from 2004 to 2007. That series used hidden cameras to confront adults who had arrived to meet minors.

Pattinson's praise lands after weeks of public disagreement. Hansen has accused the production of capitalising on his name, Deadline reported. Pattinson has previously said he hopes Hansen will view the film as "some kind of compliment," according to Deadline.

Hansen questioned Hollywood's motive behind the A24 project in August, Deadline reported. He later said he went to A24 to watch the film but left without seeing it after refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement, according to Variety. A24 then unveiled a first trailer showing Pattinson as Hansen, Deadline reported, and the film had its premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

Hansen has since seen Primetime and is still not a fan, Deadline reported. He called the film a "fever dream" and graded Pattinson's performance a "D," according to The Hollywood Reporter. He said most of the story was fictional and only loosely based on the show he took part in, according to TheWrap.

For viewers picking this story up now, the split is clear. The lead actor says admiration drove his performance. The man he plays says the result does not reflect his life.