Robert Pattinson's 'Primetime' Faces Criticism from Chris Hansen, Who Calls It '98 Per Cent Pure Fiction'

Chris Hansen, the subject of Robert Pattinson's film Primetime, has criticized the movie, calling it "98 per cent pure fiction" and stating it is "so far from reality that it wouldn't even bother me." The film, a psychological crime thriller based on the making of Hansen's controversial reality series To Catch a Predator, was released in the UK on 30 October and in the US on 25 September. Hansen, 67, had previously declined to watch an early private screening due to the need to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), as reported by a source close to the film’s distributor, A24, to Variety. Hansen revealed his main issue with the film during his Have A Seat podcast, stating that it portrayed him as an "aloof, detached father from my sons," which he called "mean-spirited, untrue, and unworthy of the viewers’ time." He also reiterated his previous comments that the film is "completely made up." The director, Lance Oppenheim, had described the movie as a "love letter" to Hansen, but Hansen responded by saying, "If that’s a love letter, I’d hate to get a poison pen letter from this director." Hansen mentioned that the only thing he liked about the film was a commercial for his true crime platform TruBlu, which aired before the movie. He gave Pattinson, who plays Hansen in the film, a "D" grade for his performance, despite acknowledging Pattinson as a "talented actor." Pattinson responded to Hansen's criticism, stating he was not surprised by the reaction, as Hansen is a public figure. Pattinson expressed surprise at the level of attention the film has received, particularly regarding the ethics of a 20-year-old TV show. The film has sparked a broader conversation about the portrayal of real people in fictionalized accounts, as well as the legacy of To Catch a Predator, which was known for its controversial approach to exposing individuals involved in online relationships with minors. Both Pattinson and Hansen have emphasized that their perspectives differ, but the film's release has reignited public interest in the events it dramatizes.