Robert Pattinson’s Chris Hansen Desires To Make Disturbing TV Historical past

Robert Pattinson has change into a type of actors I’ll watch in virtually something at this level. Whereas there are nonetheless some doubters on the market who like to make use of his time within the “Twilight” collection towards him, Pattinson has spent nearly all of his profession build up a formidable resume. He seems in small indie movies in addition to massive blockbusters like “The Batman,” and he is at all times delivering a memorable efficiency. 

The actor has discovered a distinct segment enjoying weirdos, oddballs, and individuals who simply appear barely off ultimately. Earlier this yr, he was nice in the dead of night comedy “The Drama,” which is now streaming on HBO Max. Extra just lately, he stole the present as one of many smug suitors in “The Odyssey.” And earlier than the yr ends, he is one the villains in “Dune: Half Three.”

However that is not all Pattinson has within the tank. He is additionally main “Primetime,” Lance Oppenheim’s movie that examines the unsettling phenomenon that was “To Catch a Predator.” Pattinson performs “To Catch a Predator” host Chris Hansen, and the brand new “Primetime” trailer makes it clear that Oppenheim’s film will not precisely be a glowing, optimistic portrait of Hansen and his strategies. The trailer, which you’ll take a look at above, is thrilling and disturbing, and makes “Primetime” appear like an absolute must-see.

Probably the greatest movies I noticed final yr was David Osit’s disquieting documentary “Predators” (it is at the moment streaming on Paramount+ if you wish to test it out, however be warned: it isn’t a straightforward watch). Osit’s doc takes a deep take a look at the “To Catch a Predator” phenomenon, and the outcomes are uncomfortable to say the least. Whereas “Predators” is not defending nor excusing the actions of grownup males who present up at unusual houses assuming they’ll meet youngsters, the doc does examine the sophisticated, probably harmful legacy the present left behind. It additionally would not painting Chris Hansen in the very best gentle.

With all that in thoughts, I used to be curious to see how “Primetime” was going to deal with comparable floor. Part of me even puzzled if the movie was going to painting Hansen in some type of uber-heroic method. This new trailer places any concern about that to mattress, as a result of it is clear Pattinson is enjoying Hansen as a morally doubtful, probably manic huckster chasing TV fame at any value — extremely paying homage to Jake Gyllenhaal’s deranged character in “Nightcrawler.” I’ve little question this film goes to encourage sophisticated emotions in some individuals, however I’ve to say this trailer is absolute dynamite and I am unable to wait to see the movie.

Along with Pattinson, “Primetime” options Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers (!?), Matthew Maher, and Bokeem Woodbine. “Primetime” opens in theaters on September 25, 2026.