Robert Pattinson Embraces Role as Chris Hansen in “Primetime” at Venice Film Festival
VENICE, Italy (AP) — Robert Pattinson didn’t initially aim to portray Chris Hansen in Primetime, but found the role “irresistible.” At the Venice Film Festival, where the film premiered, Pattinson shared his evolving attachment to the character after initially starting as a producer.
The 40-year-old actor described the process as “grunt work,” noting that he struggled with Hansen’s accent while capturing the essence of a figure from the NBC Dateline show To Catch a Predator. This shift in focus led to Lance Oppenheim being chosen as the director, who was intrigued by Hansen’s unique persona after encountering a Cameo video featuring him.
The film, written by Ajon Singh, draws from Luke Dittrich’s Esquire article, “Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die,” highlighting a traumatic 2006 sting operation that resulted in the suicide of Texas attorney Bill Conradt as police closed in.
Oppenheim expressed a desire to explore the ambitions of various individuals within that media landscape, illustrating a significant moment of conflict.
Despite not being involved in the film, Hansen has publicly commented on it, expressing skepticism regarding the filmmakers’ intentions and suggesting Denis Leary would have been a better fit for his character. Reports even indicate he plans to run ads prior to Primetime screenings starting September 25.
Pattinson hopes Hansen appreciates the film, acknowledging the magnetic quality that keeps audiences talking about the show years later.
The film also marks musician Phoebe Bridgers’ acting debut, which she found daunting. Pattinson, fresh off roles in The Drama and The Odyssey, is set for an exciting year ahead with Dune: Part Three still to come.
With his busy schedule and a newborn at home, Pattinson quipped that once the momentum builds, the process becomes strangely manageable. The festival also features Oasis members Noel and Liam Gallagher, who are premiering their documentary Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger.
For more coverage of the 2026 Venice Film Festival, visit: AP News on Venice Film Festival.
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