Robert Pattinson’s primetime role sealed with 200 cans of zyn

Robert Pattinson landed his role as Chris Hansen in Primetime after director Lance Oppenheim found an unusual way to persuade him to join the project as an actor rather than just a producer.

Pattinson, known for Twilight and Mickey 17, was reportedly struggling with an addiction to Zyn nicotine pouches when supplies became scarce in the United States.

Oppenheim seized the opportunity by arranging for a friend in Canada to send 200 canisters of Zyn to Pattinson’s home in Los Angeles. Along with the delivery, the director included an updated script and a letter addressed to “Chris Han-Zyn,” cleverly linking the actor’s habit to the role.

The unusual gesture ultimately helped convince Pattinson to portray Hansen, the television host known for To Catch a Predator, which aired from 2004 to 2007.

However, the film has drawn criticism from Hansen himself. Following its September release, he described the A24 production as missing the mark, criticising Pattinson’s portrayal as detached, dark and unlike his own personality. Hansen also said the performance failed to capture his humour and had upset people he had worked with.

Meanwhile, Pattinson has confirmed that production on The Batman Part II has been paused for an undisclosed period as director Matt Reeves deals with family matters.