Chris Hansen Praises Robert Pattinson’s Imitation in Primetime, but Remains Skeptical

Chris Hansen has given Robert Pattinson some credit for portraying him in A24’s upcoming film Primetime, while maintaining concerns about the movie’s accuracy.

The former Dateline correspondent and To Catch a Predator host told Entertainment Tonight that Pattinson appears to have closely studied his mannerisms.

“Obviously he has practiced imitating me,” Hansen said. “While I think it’s overly dramatic, I think there is a pretty good imitation there in the trailer.”

Hansen added that his wife and family also believe Pattinson’s portrayal is convincing. However, he stressed that the character in the film does not fully represent him.

“He’s saying things I never said and doing things I never did, and that’s not who I am,” Hansen said. “I’m a nice guy, except when it comes to criminals and predators.”

Hansen has previously said he was not consulted about the film and did not know about its production until shortly before the trailer was released in May. He criticized A24 for not informing him about the project.

“I think it’s disappointing that a major film company would not have the common courtesy to at least tell you what they’re doing,” he said.

Hansen has also emphasized that Primetime is a fictionalized story inspired by real events. The film explores the origins of To Catch a Predator, the television series that became known for using hidden cameras to expose adults allegedly seeking to meet minors they encountered online.

Hansen has not yet watched the film. He previously declined an invitation to an early screening after objecting to an agreement he described as restrictive and said prevented him from taking legal action against A24. A source disputed that characterization, telling Entertainment Weekly that Hansen was asked to sign a standard nondisclosure agreement required of preview audiences.

Despite his criticism, Hansen has used the film’s publicity to promote his true-crime streaming network, TruBlu. Ads for the service are set to run before screenings of Primetime.

Primetime will premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on Sept. 5 and will be released in theaters on Sept. 25.