Chris Hansen Is Considering Legal Action Against Robert Pattinson’s “Primetime:” ‘Feels Sneaky and Disingenuous’

**Chris Hansen Considers Legal Action Over Robert Pattinson’s ‘Primetime’**

In the lead-up to the release of Robert Pattinson’s anticipated film, *Primetime*, slated to hit UK cinemas on September 25, former NBC correspondent Chris Hansen has expressed that he may pursue legal action against the filmmakers. The film draws inspiration from Hansen’s tenure as the host of *To Catch a Predator*, a controversial series that tackled the issues of internet predators.

During a recent interview on Dan Abrams’ SiriusXM podcast, Hansen, 66, revealed that he had not been consulted during the film’s production and had declined an early viewing opportunity. His refusal followed a request from A24, the film’s distributor, asking him to sign away rights to his name, image, and any potential legal claims related to the movie. This claim has been contested by sources close to the project, who assert that the agreement was a routine non-disclosure agreement (NDA) meant to protect the film’s intellectual property.

Hansen’s concerns revolve around the ethical implications of using his name and the narrative associated with *To Catch a Predator*. He stated, “If you’re going to use somebody’s name and potentially that of their family members who have nothing to do with this… why do you have to use my real name?” He has indicated that the use of his name appears to serve commercial interests rather than a commitment to authenticity in storytelling.

The film also depends on material from a 2007 *Esquire* article entitled “Tonight on Dateline, This Man Will Die,” bringing even more weight to Hansen’s assertion of exploitation. He further articulated his frustrations on air, voicing that the film’s representation could lead to a misleading narrative about his work. Hansen emphasised that the production could indeed have achieved its goals without resorting to using his real name.

Adding to the tension, Hansen has purchased advertising space in every cinema showing *Primetime*, aiming to promote his streaming platform TruBlu. As part of these ads, he intended to clarify that the events portrayed in the film are a “Hollywood fantasy version” of true incidents. However, this line was reportedly cut due to fears it would provoke backlash from A24.

In his interactions with A24, Hansen noted a lack of communication since August 20, stating, “I sent them one last email laying out essentially what I said, and we’ve sent them emails through this process.” His frustration is compounded by the timing of the distributor’s outreach—just a day before releasing the film’s trailer—which he found perplexing and indicative of poor communication.

The film, which features an array of notable actors including Merritt Wever and Phoebe Bridgers making her film debut, explores themes of morality and vigilance in the age of technology. The plot centres on Hansen’s character as he confronts an alleged sexual predator, mirroring the intense scenarios witnessed in *To Catch a Predator*.

*Primetime* made its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on September 5, generating considerable buzz. Trailers depict Pattinson in the role of Hansen, engaging in the cautionary pursuits that characterised the original series—an effort to shine a light on online predation and its consequences.

As discussions continue around the ethical and legal ramifications of the film, Hansen’s actions signal a broader scrutiny of creative liberties taken by filmmakers, especially those touching on sensitive real-life issues. While he weighs his options, he is committed to safeguarding his legacy and drawing attention to the intricacies of accurately portraying real accounts in cinema.

At present, Hansen and A24 have not responded to requests for further comments. As the release date approaches, audiences will likely remain fixated not just on *Primetime*’s storyline but also on the unfolding narrative around its creation and the controversies that have emerged in its wake.