“Primetime” Director Remains ‘Very Eager’ for Chris Hansen to See the Movie amid His Threats of Legal Action (Exclusive) 

**Director Lance Oppenheim’s Tribute to Chris Hansen in New Film _Primetime_**

Lance Oppenheim, acclaimed for his insightful documentaries, is making his narrative feature directorial debut with _Primetime_, a film that pays tribute to Chris Hansen, the former host of the controversial series _To Catch a Predator_. Despite the mixed reception from Hansen himself, Oppenheim is keen for the veteran broadcaster to experience his creative interpretation of events.

Set against the backdrop of 2006, _Primetime_ stars Robert Pattinson as Hansen during the peak of _To Catch a Predator_ on Dateline NBC. The film encapsulates the fervour surrounding the show, showcasing Hansen and his production team, including producer Merritt Wever, as they navigate the complexities of creating a segment that captivated and horrified audiences. Oppenheim describes the film not as a conventional biopic but rather as an homage to Hansen, which speaks to the unconventional and sometimes exploitative nature of reality television.

In recent interviews, Hansen has expressed his disapproval of the film, stating that he was not consulted during its production and only learned of it shortly before the trailer’s release. He has even hinted at potential legal action regarding the film’s use of his name and branding. Hansen’s frustration was palpable in a conversation with _The Hollywood Reporter_, where he noted that the film risks trivialising the serious work done by those on the front lines of child protection.

Oppenheim, however, maintains that his creative independence was paramount during the filmmaking process. He expressed his desire to create a film that is a personal expression, unencumbered by the constraints often imposed by authorised biographies. “In a time where many films seek approval from the subjects they portray, I wanted to explore a more authentic representation of my own relationship to the material,” Oppenheim explained.

The genesis of _Primetime_ can be traced back to Oppenheim’s childhood fascination with _To Catch a Predator_. This obsession intensified after a memorable episode of _South Park_ in 2007 that parodied the show. The director’s engagement with Hansen took an unexpected turn when his wife, Abigail Rowe, who is also a producer on _Primetime_, commissioned a Cameo video from Hansen to celebrate Oppenheim’s upcoming release of _Sperm World_. The video, which featured Hansen inviting Oppenheim to “have a seat,” rekindled the filmmaker’s interest in Hansen’s complex persona as both a public figure and a dedicated investigator.

In interviews, Hansen has clarified that his grievances are not with Pattinson, but rather with the intent behind the film. He believes that transforming a serious issue into a horror-themed narrative could be seen as disrespectful to the many individuals committed to child protection efforts. “It’s an insult to the thousands of men and women who work hard every day to protect children from predators,” Hansen stated, voicing concern over the film’s portrayal of sensitive themes.

Despite the controversies, _Primetime_ garnered a warm reception at the Venice Film Festival, where it premiered on September 5, receiving a standing ovation. The film brings together a talented ensemble cast, including Skyler Gisondo, Matthew Maher, Bokeem Woodbine, and singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers, creating a dynamic representation of the time and the people involved.

As _Primetime_ approaches its theatrical release on September 25, Oppenheim reflects on the role of Hansen in the collective cultural consciousness. “We all have our unique relationships with Chris Hansen, shaped by his show, his writings, and his online presence. I aimed to create an homage that captures the internet’s perception of him, rather than adhering to a traditional narrative structure,” he remarked.

With the film’s multifaceted approach to a polarising figure and the urgency of its subject matter, _Primetime_ promises to provoke discussion. Oppenheim hopes that Hansen will ultimately appreciate the film as a creative exploration of complex themes rather than a mere retelling. As the director prepares for its release, he remains excited about sharing his unique vision and insights with audiences, regardless of the mixed feelings surrounding its origins.