Chris Hansen criticises Robert Pattinson’s portrayal in Primetime

Chris Hansen has criticised Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of him in the newly released crime thriller Primetime, saying the film does not accurately reflect his personality or the work behind his television career.

The comments came shortly after Primetime arrived in cinemas on September 25. Hansen, whose career and investigative programme inspired the film, discussed the movie during an appearance on the podcast Have a Seat with Fox News host Jesse Watters.

Hansen said the A24 production failed to capture his sense of humour and described Pattinson’s version of the character as distant, dark and unlikeable. He also said the portrayal had disappointed some of his former and current colleagues.

The veteran television presenter revealed that about 14 members of his current team watched the film together. According to Hansen, they later exchanged their views about the production through messages.

While acknowledging some of the movie’s visual elements, Hansen said members of his team found the story difficult to engage with after the opening portion.

Hansen stressed that audiences should view Primetime as a fictional interpretation rather than an accurate account of his career. He said the movie does not represent the real people involved in his investigative work or the effort that went into producing the original television series.

Primetime is an American crime thriller directed by Lance Oppenheim. The film draws inspiration from Hansen’s television programme To Catch a Predator and stars Pattinson as a television journalist investigating suspected child predators with the help of undercover decoys and law enforcement.

The movie premiered at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 5 before its theatrical release on September 25.

The film explores the creation of a high-profile investigative television programme while offering a fictionalised look at the people and events surrounding its production.