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Robert Pattinson Says Playing Chris Hansen Was ‘Incredibly Difficult’ as A24’s Primetime Nears Release

The film’s actor‑producer approach and an unresolved dispute with Hansen over preview paperwork deepen questions about dramatizing real sting operations.

Overview

  • In recent interviews Robert Pattinson described intensive voice work and rehearsals to capture Chris Hansen’s tone and said he helped develop Primetime from early drafts as a producer.
  • Primetime adapts Luke Dittrich’s Esquire reporting about a To Catch a Predator sting that ended with an assistant district attorney’s suicide and examines the show’s production and ethical choices.
  • Chris Hansen has said he was not consulted, refused to sign screening paperwork he called surrendering rights, bought preshow ads to contest the portrayal, and is weighing legal action.
  • A24 says the preview form was a routine nondisclosure agreement and the studio plans a Venice premiere followed by a U.S. theatrical release on Sept. 25, 2026.
  • The film’s rollout is likely to sharpen public debate over televised sting tactics, raise legal questions about use of NDAs and publicity rights, and affect the reputations of those portrayed.