Robert Pattinson stars in and produces Primetime, a film that explores the real-life story of Chris Hansen, a former Dateline NBC correspondent who became famous for hosting the controversial show To Catch a Predator. The film delves into the world of sting operations designed to catch online predators by using decoys posing as minors. Primetime premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 5 and is set to release in UK cinemas on October 30, 2026, with a U.S. release scheduled for September 25. Pattinson’s portrayal of Hansen is described as intense and dynamic, with standout moments in both his voice work and unpredictable emotional shifts. The film immerses viewers in a tense scenario where Hansen confronts a suspected predator, raising questions about the ethical boundaries of the show. It blends dark humor with moral dilemmas, exploring the impact of the program and the personal cost on Hansen as it gains more public attention and becomes more sensationalized. A fictionalized character, Dan Plum, played by Skyler Gisondo, is thrust into a sting operation and faces an unexpected situation involving a former child star, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The film’s director, Lance Oppenheim, refers to it as a “docufantasia,” a genre that mixes documentary realism with elements of fantasy. This approach blurs the line between fact and fiction, enhancing the story’s dramatic tension. The film features a cast that includes Merritt Wever, Phoebe Bridgers in her acting debut, and Anna Faris, among others. With a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes, the film’s age rating has not yet been finalized. The production incorporates real-life elements, such as former NBC Universal TV CEO Jeff Zucker playing himself, further intertwining the fictional narrative with real-world figures.