Jonathan Lipnicki Takes on Dark Role in 'Primetime,' a Thriller About 'To Catch a Predator'

Jonathan Lipnicki, 35, who gained fame as a child actor in "Jerry Maguire" and "Stuart Little," is taking on a significantly darker role in the upcoming psychological crime thriller "Primetime." The film focuses on the creation of the controversial NBC series "To Catch a Predator," which aimed to expose individuals accused of soliciting minors online.

In "Primetime," Lipnicki portrays a predator who is apprehended by Chris Hansen, the host of "To Catch a Predator." Robert Pattinson plays Hansen in the film. The movie includes a nude scene featuring Lipnicki's character as he is caught in the act.

Lipnicki acknowledged the challenging nature of the role. "The pedophile element by itself is terrifying to tackle, and then you add the nudity. Not only are you a pedophile — you’re a naked, full-frontal pedophile. It was intimidating, to say the least," he told The Hollywood Reporter. He added that he believes that if a role is frightening, it is often the right one to pursue. This is only Lipnicki's second adult film to receive a theatrical release.

Lipnicki's acting career began at age five with his role as Ray Boyd in the 1996 film "Jerry Maguire," starring opposite Tom Cruise and Renée Zellweger. His performance earned him critical acclaim, including a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Child Performance and a Young Artist Award. He later starred as George Little in "Stuart Little" in 1999, a role he reprised for "Stuart Little 2" in 2002. The "Stuart Little" franchise garnered significant box office success globally.

His other notable roles included "Like Mike" and a guest appearance on "Dawson's Creek." After his early success, Lipnicki's acting career saw a slowdown. In 2017, he spoke publicly about the bullying he experienced as a child star, which he said contributed to his struggles with anxiety and depression. He recounted instances where classmates called him a "has-been" and made him feel "like garbage," leading to nightly panic attacks before school.

Despite these challenges, Lipnicki expressed gratitude for his career and a belief that "it DOES get better." In 2025, he indicated he had been selective about his roles, turning down several movie offers as he navigated his career path. "I pray every night for clarity on where I need to go, and I’m confident the best is yet to come for me," he told People magazine, emphasizing the importance of dreaming big in the pursuit of a career in acting.