Chris Hansen Denounces Robert Pattinson Film 'Primetime' as 'Complete Fiction'

Chris Hansen, known for his work on the investigative series "To Catch a Predator," has strongly criticized the new A24 film "Primetime," starring Robert Pattinson, calling its depiction of his career "complete fiction." Hansen stated that he was not consulted during the film's production and that the portrayal deviates significantly from reality.

"Nothing in that trailer except for the actor saying my name and ‘have a seat’ ever happened in real life. It’s complete fiction," Hansen said during an appearance on the "Planet Tyrus" podcast. He expressed concern that Hollywood is exploiting his name and the popularity of "To Catch a Predator" to market a dramatized and dark version of events.

The film, which was released Friday, is inspired by Hansen's investigations into adults seeking to sexually exploit children. It touches on events surrounding the death of Bill Conradt, a Texas assistant district attorney who died by suicide as authorities arrived at his home. Pattinson portrays Hansen as he navigates the increasing stakes of his investigations and the resulting fame.

Hansen found the film's portrayal to be an "insult," particularly a dark and over-dramatized interpretation of work he believes was already compelling. He suggested that the film industry, which he noted was previously led by figures like Harvey Weinstein, might be inclined to create such fictionalized narratives.

To counter what he perceives as an inaccurate representation, Hansen has purchased advertising slots that will run before screenings of "Primetime" in approximately 3,500 theaters nationwide. These 30-second ads will feature his signature "Have a seat" message and direct viewers to his true-crime streaming service, TruBlu, to learn about the "real work."

Hansen is also developing a documentary titled "I’m Chris Hansen," which he said recently finished production and is being submitted to streaming platforms. He noted that he cooperated with the documentary filmmakers and was familiar with them.

Director Lance Oppenheim defended his decision not to involve Hansen in "Primetime," telling W Magazine that he felt Hansen's public record and existing materials were sufficient. Oppenheim cited a personalized video Hansen recorded for him, as well as Hansen's book and blog, and conversations with a former "To Catch a Predator" operator, Mitchell Wagenberg, as his primary sources. Oppenheim suggested that the film aimed to adapt "the Internet's version of Chris Hansen" rather than Hansen himself, likening the approach to historical epics not being told by their protagonists.