A24 has released the trailer for «Primetime,» showcasing Robert Pattinson‘s uncanny transformation into former «To Catch a Predator» host Chris Hansen.
The upcoming feature film marks the directorial debut of Lance Oppenheim, a documentarian known for projects such as «Ren Faire» and «Spermworld».
The gripping preview transports audiences back to the mid-2000s, exploring the origins of the hit television sting operation. In the opening scene, an adult man enters a decoy house and asks a young girl if her parents are home.
After she confirms they are alone, Pattinson descends a staircase and confronts the predator with Hansen’s signature interrogation style. Pattinson completely alters his voice to match the iconic Dateline NBC presenter, ominously asking the suspect if he understands the severity of the situation.
Exploring the ethics of reality television
The film will delve into the fragile balance between creating an entertaining television hit and executing real-world justice. The original «To Catch a Predator» segment ran on NBC from 2004 to 2007. It partnered with the watchdog group Perverted Justice to lure men who had engaged in explicit online conversations with decoys posing as minors into a trap, resulting in multiple on-camera arrests.
While the hidden-camera series was a massive ratings success, it faced significant controversy regarding its ethical methods before its ultimate cancellation. MTV Documentary Films recently examined the show’s rise and fall in the 2025 documentary «Predators,» which also featured an interview with the real Chris Hansen.
Alongside Pattinson, the cast features Emmy winner Merritt Wever playing a television producer, Skyler Gisondo acting as a young decoy and musician Phoebe Bridgers in an undisclosed role. The project highlights the rapid evolution of television news magazines and the lengths networks went to secure primetime supremacy.
«Primetime» will have its world premiere at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival in early September. Following the festival circuit, the movie is slated for a nationwide theatrical release on 25 Sept. This release marks Pattinson’s fourth major cinematic feature of the year, joining his highly anticipated performances in «The Drama,» «The Odyssey» and «Dune: Part Three».
