Chris Hansen Criticizes Robert Pattinson’s Portrayal in ‘Primetime’ and Gives It a D Grade
Chris Hansen shared his reaction to the film Primetime, in which Robert Pattinson plays him during his To Catch a Predator era. Hansen said the movie was overly dramatized and detached from reality, and he criticized Pattinson’s performance as dark and unlikable. He gave Pattinson a D grade and also faulted director Lance Oppenheim.
Chris Hansen, 67, is a former Dateline NBC journalist known for To Catch a Predator. He has said he was not consulted on Primetime, the film in which Robert Pattinson plays him, and that he declined a studio request to sign a document before an early screening. He saw it on opening night and later discussed his reaction with Jesse Watters.
Hansen described the movie as heavily dramatized and far removed from reality. He disliked Pattinson's darker, unlikable interpretation, gave the actor a D, and criticized director Lance Oppenheim for pursuing a horror-like approach and ignoring the positive aspects of Hansen's work. Hansen also said the portrayal upset current and former colleagues.
The dispute may shape public discussion about how true-crime stories and real journalists are adapted for entertainment. Viewers who know Hansen's work could see the film differently, while Pattinson fans may separate performance from real person. It could also affect how subjects of dramatized media engage with Hollywood, possibly making them more cautious about cooperation or early screenings. Industry figures may face questions about balancing artistic license with factual responsibility.