Robert Pattinson has responded to criticism from Chris Hansen regarding the A24 film "Primetime," which draws inspiration from Hansen’s "To Catch a Predator" series. Pattinson, who portrays Hansen in the Lance Oppenheim-directed thriller, expressed his hope that the journalist will approve of the movie during a press conference at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday.
"Obviously, I hope he likes the movie," Pattinson said, as captured in a video shared to Instagram by People. He added that he did not initially set out to make a film about Hansen but was drawn to the script. "I hope it’s some kind of compliment" given the inspiration Hansen’s character has provided to many people over the years, Pattinson remarked.
Pattinson recalled watching "To Catch a Predator" when he was younger, describing Hansen's on-screen presence as "magnetic." He noted that Hansen’s approach was groundbreaking and possibly broke television and bureaucratic rules, which is why the show remains a topic of discussion two decades later. Despite viewing thousands of hours of related material, Pattinson stated he still finds it difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for the show's popularity, attributing the film's creation to the filmmakers' "collective enthusiasm" for Hansen’s enduring mystique.
Previously, Hansen had stated in an August appearance on the "Serialously" podcast that Robert Pattinson would not have been his initial choice to play him. Hansen mentioned that he had previously discussed a script where Denis Leary would have portrayed him, depending on the specific age of the character. While acknowledging Pattinson’s acting success, Hansen questioned Hollywood's motivations for making the film, suggesting it was intended as a commercial endeavor.
Hansen has also indicated he has not ruled out legal action over the film, though he has not yet seen it. He was reportedly turned away from an A24 screening in New York after declining to sign a non-disclosure agreement. "When someone makes a movie about you but won’t let you see it, you do have to wonder why they won’t let you see it," Hansen told Page Six. He plans to see "Primetime" in theaters upon its release on September 25.