Chris Hansen Says He May Have a Legal Case Against A24’s ‘Primetime’

Former To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen says he has been advised that he may have “a decent case” for legal action against A24’s upcoming film Primetime, but he has not decided whether to pursue it.

The film, directed by Lance Oppenheim and starring Robert Pattinson as Hansen, is set to open in theaters on September 25. It follows a fictionalized version of Hansen as he works on To Catch a Predator, NBC’s controversial hidden-camera series that aired from 2004 to 2007.

Speaking on SiriusXM’s The Dan Abrams Show, Hansen said an entertainment lawyer told him he could potentially take legal action. However, Hansen said he is concerned that publicly fighting the film could give it additional publicity.

Hansen also criticized the movie for using his name, as well as the names of his colleagues and family members. He said he considers the project “very exploitive” and “sneaky and disingenuous,” particularly because he was not consulted about it.

Hansen was invited to a private screening but said he refused to sign an agreement required by A24. According to Hansen, the document would have restricted his rights concerning his name, image and brand, as well as potential legal claims related to the film. A24 has reportedly said the document was a standard nondisclosure agreement given to preview audiences to prevent spoilers and protect unreleased material.

Hansen ultimately did not see the film. He has said he still plans to watch it when possible before deciding how he feels about the portrayal.

Meanwhile, Hansen has purchased advertising ahead of some screenings to promote TruBlu, his true-crime streaming network and current sting-investigation work.