Robert Pattinson Brings Chris Hansen to Life in New Film Trailer
Robert Pattinson has once again proven his acting prowess by stepping into the shoes of Chris Hansen, the iconic host of To Catch a Predator, in the upcoming A24 film Primetime. The first trailer for the movie, released recently, has left fans and critics alike in awe, with many praising Pattinson’s uncanny portrayal of the former NBC news anchor.
To Catch a Predator was a controversial segment on Dateline NBC that gained notoriety for its method of luring suspected child molesters using adult decoys posing as minors. The show ended in 2007 after one of its targets, Bill Conradt, died during a police raid while the camera crew was present. Now, nearly two decades later, Primetime aims to revisit this dark chapter of television history with a fictional take on the events.
In the trailer, Pattinson delivers an impressive performance, perfectly mimicking Hansen’s voice and mannerisms. When he utters the famous line, “I’m Chris Hansen with Dateline NBC…,” it is almost impossible to tell the difference between the real and the actor. Fans have taken to social media to express their amazement, with some even suggesting that Pattinson could be in the running for an Oscar.
A Glimpse into the Film
The sneak peek features a fast-paced montage of reenactments from To Catch a Predator interspersed with behind-the-scenes footage from the control room. Skyler Gisondo appears to play one of the decoys, while Phoebe Bridgers, Merritt Wever, and Matthew Maher are seen as crew members. However, it is Pattinson who truly steals the spotlight with his flawless portrayal of Hansen confronting one of his targets.
Each episode of To Catch a Predator followed a similar pattern: a man would be lured to a location under the pretense of a sexual encounter with a supposed minor, only to be exposed by Hansen, who would then reveal the sting operation to the authorities. In the Primetime trailer, Pattinson’s version of Hansen poses a question that resonates deeply: “What would have happened if I wasn’t here?” He then adds, “You see how this looks, right? At the end of the day, a man must be held accountable for the decisions that he makes. Do you agree?”
This leads to the infamous reveal that made Hansen a household name: “Do you watch television? Well, there’s something you should know. I’m Chris Hansen with Dateline NBC and you’re about to be a part of television history.”
Fan Reactions and Critical Acclaim
The trailer has sparked a wave of reactions from fans, many of whom are stunned by Pattinson’s performance. One YouTube commenter wrote, “No freaking way that’s Pattinson’s voice.” Another added, “Pattinson’s range will be studied for decades to come, genuinely insane how talented this guy is.” A third fan exclaimed, “NEW PATTINSON VOICE UNLOCKED.”
Viewers have also praised Pattinson’s ability to capture the tone of Hansen’s voice. One observer noted, “He’s nailed the tone of his voice and everything.” Others have called him “one of the GOATs of this generation” and highlighted his incredible range as an actor.
About the Director and Cast
Primetime is the first fictional feature film directed by Lance Oppenheim, known for his documentary work. His previous projects include Some Kind of Heaven, a documentary about a retirement community, and Spermworld, which explores the world of sperm donors and recipients. The film also stars Anna Faris and is set for a theatrical release in the United States in September.
