Robert Pattinson's 'Primetime' Faces Backlash Over Real-Life Predator Investigations

Moviegoers who show up to see Robert Pattinson play Chris Hansen in Primetime will first find themselves face-to-face with the real thing. In a new commercial for the film, Hansen directs audiences to his streaming network TruBlu, which offers a steady stream of predator investigations and other true-crime programming.

The film, a dark exploration of Hansen’s specialty, opens Sept. 25 following its world premiere Sept. 5 at the Venice International Film Festival.

In the meantime, Hansen is capitalizing on the renewed attention to his work. For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Behind the Scenes: A24 and Chris Hansen’s Deal

Hansen has stated on podcasts and on Jesse Watters’ Fox News program that he declined an invitation to see the film because he was required to sign an agreement barring him from taking legal action against A24. Sources close to Hansen tell The Hollywood Reporter that he is now consulting attorneys about his options following the film’s release.

In the commercial, Hansen enters his familiar hunting ground, a kitchen, and delivers a variation on his dread-inducing catchphrase. “I’m going to need everyone in the theater to take a seat right over there,” he says. “Now there are more platforms than ever before where this disturbing crime is being committed.”

Read More: Dolly Parton's Forgotten Children's Roles

A QR code directs moviegoers to a landing page for the network, which offers a steady stream of predator investigations and other true-crime programming.

Context and Historical Background

The film Primetime is based on Luke Dittrich’s 2007 Esquire article “Tonight on Dateline, This Man Will Die.” The article examines the suicide of Bill Conradt, a Texas district attorney who became a target of one of Hansen’s televised sting operations after allegedly attempting to solicit sex from a minor.

Hansen wanted to end the commercial but there were concerns about possible blowback from A24, and the line was removed. The decision to promote TruBlu in the film has sparked controversy among some who question whether Hansen’s personal brand should be used to endorse a streaming network.

Hansen is now facing uncertainty about his future collaborations with A24 following the release of Primetime. His representatives have declined to comment on the matter, but sources close to Hansen say he is exploring other options for promoting his work.

The decision The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Hansen purchased preshow advertising on every screen to promote TruBlu, which offers a steady stream of predator investigations and other true-crime programming.