Skyler Gisondo is making waves in the film industry with his latest role in “Primetime,” an intriguing exploration of the infamous “To Catch a Predator” series. The film, which recently premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, stars Gisondo alongside Robert Pattinson, who portrays Chris Hansen, the host of the series, during its peak years. This new release has brought increased attention to Gisondo’s career, particularly as awards season approaches.
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In a recent chat with PEOPLE, the 30-year-old actor revealed that his mother has taken the lead in tracking his potential award nominations. “My mum is the most into it,” Gisondo confessed, noting that she frequently sends him updates on rankings and is eager for his thoughts on industry developments. He joked about her enthusiasm, saying, “I was like, ‘Mum, you’ve got to stop sending me the rankings.’”
Gisondo’s journey in the entertainment world has been steady over the past decade. He is well-regarded for his comedic roles in films such as “Vacation,” “Booksmart,” and “Licorice Pizza,” as well as his prominent role in HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones.” However, Gisondo admits that he never envisioned being part of a film that would create such buzz. Reflecting on his experiences, he stated, “Truly never, never in my wildest dreams did it enter my consciousness that that was within the realm of possibility.”
Gisondo expressed his disbelief at the film’s success following its Venice debut, where positive reviews began flooding in. A producer remarked on the immediate buzz, showing him mentions of “Oscar buzz” on social media. “It just never occurred to me that that’s what we were doing,” he shared. Throughout the filming process, he felt a sense of excitement, proclaiming, “This is gonna be the coolest thing I’ve ever been part of.”
“Primetime” portrays the darker themes of the “To Catch a Predator” series, with Gisondo assuming the role of an actor tasked with luring potential predators onto the show. The film’s narrative is partly derived from a 2007 Esquire article titled “Tonight on Dateline, This Man Will Die,” and it outlines Chris Hansen’s tenure with the Dateline NBC segment from 2004 to 2007. Gisondo remarked on the unique and polarising nature of the subject matter, admitting the team never anticipated it would be deemed an awards contender.
The ensemble cast features notable actors including Merritt Wever, Matthew Maher, Anna Faris, and Phoebe Bridgers, contributing to a robust narrative that explores the complexities of morality and justice within the realm of televised law enforcement. Gisondo noted the excitement he feels seeing director Lance Oppenheim and cinematographer David Bolen gain recognition for their work.
Having started his acting career at a young age, Gisondo has been a part of the entertainment landscape for some time. He jokingly pointed out that while Pattinson was already making his mark in the “Harry Potter” franchise in 2003, he was just beginning his journey with a small part in “Cold Case.”
Now celebrating his milestone 30th birthday, Gisondo expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has had in Hollywood. “I feel really kind of just awesome, dude,” he expressed. “This experience on ‘Primetime’ has been a journey of constant self-discovery. Every time I think I’ve pinpointed what kind of actor I am, another opportunity for reinvention arises.”
Looking ahead, Gisondo is excited about his upcoming role alongside well-known actors such as Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro in the “Meet the Parents” sequel titled “Focker-in-Law,” scheduled for release in November. With his newfound success and a variety of projects on the horizon, he remarked on the continuous nature of growth in the acting field, optimistically stating, “I think 30’s the new 25.”
With “Primetime” now in theatres, Skyler Gisondo is undeniably a rising star. As audiences engage with this thought-provoking film, there’s no denying that Gisondo’s career is on an upward trajectory, showcasing his talent in roles that resonate with contemporary themes.