A24 Just Dropped the First Clip from ‘Primetime,’ and Robert Pattinson’s Chris Hansen Is Already Unsettling

Robert Pattinson has built one of the most unpredictable filmographies in modern Hollywood, moving from blockbuster franchises to deeply strange arthouse fare without ever settling into a single lane. His latest transformation might be his most unsettling yet, tapping into one of the 2000s’ most polarizing pieces of true-crime television.

That project is ‘Primetime,’ A24’s fictionalized take on the rise of ‘To Catch a Predator’ host Chris Hansen, directed by documentary filmmaker Lance Oppenheim in his narrative feature debut. The film follows Hansen as he builds the Dateline NBC series that used hidden cameras and undercover sting operations to confront adults accused of attempting to meet minors for sex, ultimately becoming a defining, if controversial, piece of early-2000s broadcast television.

Ahead of the film’s wide theatrical release, A24 has now shared the first official clip from ‘Primetime,’ giving audiences a fresh look at Pattinson’s transformation into the broadcaster. The brief clip shows Pattinson’s Hansen calmly opening a conversation with a chilling, understated question: “Do you watch television?”

That single moment captures the tone that’s defined the film’s marketing so far. Since the project’s first teaser dropped earlier this year, social media reaction to Pattinson’s uncanny embodiment of Hansen has been enthusiastic, with plenty of fans predicting the role could land him serious awards-season consideration.

Much of that reaction has centered on how thoroughly Pattinson disappears into the part, capturing Hansen’s distinctive vocal cadence and calm, controlled demeanor in a way that’s struck many viewers as genuinely uncanny. Given the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival was reportedly met with a lengthy standing ovation, that awards buzz doesn’t appear to be dying down anytime soon.

Pattinson is joined in the film by Phoebe Bridgers, marking the four-time Grammy winner’s acting debut, along with Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Matthew Maher, Bokeem Woodbine, and Anna Faris. Pattinson also serves as a producer on the project through his production company, Icki Eneo Arlo, alongside Ari Aster, who is also credited as a producer.

Behind the camera, Oppenheim directs from a script by Ajon Singh, marking a significant leap for the filmmaker after building his reputation through acclaimed documentary work like HBO’s ‘Ren Faire’ and the Sundance-premiered ‘Some Kind of Heaven.’ Principal photography took place in New Orleans, wrapping in early 2025 under the working title ‘Bluefin Tuna.’

The film’s subject matter hasn’t gone unaddressed by Hansen himself. The real-life broadcaster has been publicly critical of the project, and the dark climax of the film reportedly dramatizes the 2006 case of Bill Conradt, a Texas prosecutor who died by suicide as police arrived at his home following a sting tied to the show, an incident that led to the cancellation of the original series and a since-settled lawsuit against NBC.

That real-world weight adds a layer of tension to the film’s marketing rollout, even as A24 continues building momentum through festival buzz and now this newly released clip.

With ‘Primetime’ set for wide theatrical release later this month through A24, this latest clip offers just a small taste of what promises to be one of the more divisive and closely watched films of the fall season. Given the strong critical reception out of Venice and the growing online conversation around Pattinson’s performance, expectations for the film’s box office and awards prospects continue to climb.

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