Robert Pattinson Transforms Into Chris Hansen in A24’s Primetime Trailer

A24 has released the full trailer for Primetime, giving audiences their clearest look yet at Robert Pattinson’s transformation into television journalist Chris Hansen, the longtime face of NBC’s To Catch a Predator investigations.

The drama marks the narrative feature debut of director Lance Oppenheim, known for documentaries including Ren Faire and Some Kind of Heaven. Written by Ajon Singh, the film is inspired by Luke Dittrich’s 2007 Esquire article, “Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die.” 

In the trailer, Pattinson adopts Hansen’s distinctive speaking style as he leads undercover sting operations targeting adults attempting to meet minors after online conversations. 

The footage also hints at the growing popularity of the television program while raising questions about the cost of turning criminal investigations into must-watch entertainment. 

The cast includes Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher and Bokeem Woodbine. 

According to the trailer and official synopsis, the story focuses on Hansen’s ambition to make the program a television phenomenon while exploring the moral complexities surrounding its production. 

To Catch a Predator aired as part of NBC’s Dateline during the mid-2000s. The program used undercover decoys and hidden cameras alongside law enforcement to confront adults who believed they were meeting minors.

The show became one of television’s most recognizable investigative programs, but it also drew criticism over its methods and the ethical questions surrounding televised sting operations. Primetime revisits that period while examining both the show’s success and its controversies. 

The newly released trailer expands on an earlier teaser by showcasing more of Pattinson’s performance and highlighting the film’s darker psychological tone.

It also emphasizes the growing pressure on Hansen and his production team as they pursue increasingly high profile investigations, framing the story as both a media drama and an examination of the pursuit of ratings. 

Primetime revisits one of the most talked-about television programs of the early internet era, offering a dramatized look at how investigative journalism, reality television and public spectacle intersected.

The film also adds another high profile role to Pattinson’s busy 2026 slate and represents Oppenheim’s transition from acclaimed documentaries to narrative filmmaking. 

A24 continues expanding its lineup of fact inspired dramas, while Primetime brings together an established Hollywood star with a filmmaker known for documentaries examining American culture. The project reflects continuing interest in stories based on real media events and their lasting cultural impact. 

Coverage from entertainment outlets highlights Pattinson’s physical and vocal transformation into Hansen, while noting the trailer’s focus on the ethical tensions behind the television phenomenon rather than presenting a straightforward biographical story. 

Primetime is scheduled to premiere in competition at the Venice Film Festival before opening in theaters on September 25, 2026, according to A24’s release plans.