Robert Pattinson has responded to criticism from Chris Hansen, the host of the former Dateline NBC show "To Catch a Predator," regarding his portrayal in the upcoming film "Primetime." Hansen expressed concerns after viewing the movie's trailer and reportedly purchased pre-show advertisements to direct audiences to his own investigative work.
Pattinson, who plays Hansen in "Primetime," stated during a press conference at the Venice International Film Festival that he hopes the film serves as "some kind of compliment" to Hansen's enduring public presence. "I never really set out to make a movie about Chris Hansen. It’s just kind of, like, I never really thought about it, and then I saw it in there in the script and there’s something electrifying about it," Pattinson said.
He further elaborated on Hansen's appeal, noting, "I would hope in some ways, the amount of inspiration that his character has given so many people who are involved in this, for years now, I hope it’s some kind of compliment. But I think the more you watch the show, there’s something magnetic about his presence." Pattinson added that he believes there is a "vibrant energy magnetism" to Hansen's persona that "every actor wants to play," and that he and the filmmakers aimed to capture this "sort of mystery."
"To Catch a Predator" was a segment that aired on Dateline NBC from 2004 to 2007, documenting efforts to expose individuals seeking sexual encounters with minors. The show concluded its run following a lawsuit initiated after a man featured on the program died by suicide while being apprehended by law enforcement.
Hansen, however, has voiced his disapproval of "Primetime," questioning Hollywood's motives and asserting that the film is "totally made up," with Pattinson saying "things I never said and doing things I never did." In response, Hansen reportedly placed advertisements on screens showing the film, promoting his own TruBlu streaming network, which produces similar investigative content.
Pattinson acknowledged watching "To Catch a Predator" in his youth, but only later recognized what he described as a "strange alchemy" among the show's aesthetic, the era, and Hansen's on-screen demeanor. He suggested that Hansen's unique approach contributed to the show's lasting relevance 20 years later, attributing it not solely to the subject matter but also to the groundbreaking nature of the program itself.