Robert Pattinson is set to star in and produce A24’s Primetime, a new drama exploring the controversial television phenomenon To Catch a Predator. Pattinson is heading back to the big screen with the film, which is inspired by the real-life story behind one of the most recognisable television investigations of the 2000s.
Following its place on the lineup for the Venice Film Festival, Primetime is scheduled to make its nationwide theatrical release. Directed by documentary filmmaker Lance Oppenheim, the film takes audiences back to 2006, when Dateline NBC correspondent Chris Hansen was working on To Catch a Predator, the controversial series that became a major television phenomenon.
Robert Pattinson Plays Chris Hansen
In Primetime, Pattinson takes on the role of Chris Hansen, the journalist who became widely known for his work confronting suspected child predators.
The film follows Hansen as he attempts to make television history by investigating individuals who had allegedly attempted to meet minors they encountered online. The operation involved law enforcement, production teams and decoys posing as minors.
Rather than simply recreating the television series, Primetime looks at the people and circumstances surrounding the production, offering a dramatic interpretation of Hansen’s work during the height of the show’s cultural impact.
Who Stars in Primetime?
Alongside Robert Pattinson, the film features an impressive ensemble cast.
The Primetime cast includes:
- Robert Pattinson
- Merritt Wever
- Skyler Gisondo
- Phoebe Bridgers
- Matthew Maher
- Bokeem Woodbine
The screenplay was written by Ajon Singh, while Lance Oppenheim directs.
Pattinson also serves as a producer through his production company Icki Eneo Arlo, alongside Brighton McCloskey.
The film is additionally produced by Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Fred Berger, Lars Knudsen and Tyler Campellone.
What Is Primetime About?
Set in 2006, Primetime centres on Chris Hansen as he prepares to make television history with To Catch a Predator.
The original series became known for its confrontational approach to online predator investigations, with Hansen interviewing and confronting suspects alongside law enforcement.
The new film revisits this period through a fictionalised dramatic story, exploring the world surrounding the production and the pursuit of television history.
The theatrical release follows the film’s selection for the Venice Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals and a major launchpad for awards-season titles.
Learn More: a24films.com
