Robert Pattinson Channels Chris Hansen in A24’s Primetime

Pattinson describes the process of capturing Hansen’s distinctive, composed tone as a formidable challenge. To prepare for the role, the actor spent hours walking city streets while listening to the podcast Have a Seat with Chris Hansen, repeatedly practicing the host’s cadence aloud. The material, which revisits the dark reality of Dateline NBC’s sting operations, proved difficult to inhabit. Beyond acting, Pattinson serves as a producer on the film, a project directed by Lance Oppenheim that piqued his interest due to its audacious script.

Despite the actor's dedication, Hansen has remained at arm's length from the production. The journalist publicly questioned Hollywood's motives behind the project, noting that he would have preferred Denis Leary to play him. Tensions peaked when Hansen was denied entry to a private screening after refusing to sign a standard non-disclosure agreement. While Hansen maintains that the film is a work of fiction and laments the lack of consultation during production, he admits his own family found the performance convincing. The film hits theaters on September 25.