The film, inspired by the real-life journalist behind To Catch a Predator, has sparked controversy over its portrayal of Hansen and his work.
Robert Pattinson steps into the spotlight not just as a vampire king but as Chris Hansen in A24’s new film, Primetime, which premiered in the U.S. On September 25. The movie, directed by Lance Oppenheim, loosely draws from Hansen’s career, particularly his time hosting To Catch a Predator from 2004 to 2007. Pattinson’s performance has drawn attention — and criticism.
Hansen, born in Lansing, Michigan, in 1959, built a career in investigative journalism after studying telecommunications at Michigan State University. He began reporting in 1981, worked with NBC News through the 1990s, and gained national fame for his role in exposing online predators. His work earned him ten Emmy Awards and multiple honors from press associations.
But the film’s release has reignited scrutiny. Hansen insists he had no part in the project. In interviews with The Dan Abrams Show and The Hollywood Reporter, he called Primetime a 'completely made-up work of fiction' and an 'insult' to those who protect children from predators. He disputes key scenes, saying the conversations depicted never happened in real life.
He also raised concerns about consultation: 'How could they tell the story without having talked to anybody who was directly involved?' The film’s narrative, he argues, turns serious work into a horror-like spectacle.
Pattinson, for his part, has expressed respect for Hansen as a person. 'I have no issue with Robert Pattinson. I think he's a great actor and a nice guy,' Hansen said, though he acknowledged the actor is now caught in a difficult position, being asked whether he met the man he portrays.
The film’s roots trace back to a 2007 Esquire article about Louis William Conradt Jr., who died by suicide during a Dateline sting operation. That case remains a flashpoint in debates over media ethics and vigilantism.
Hansen’s personal life adds another layer. He divorced his first wife, Mary Joan, in 2020 after nearly three decades. He later married Gabrielle Gagnon in 2021. In 2019, he was arrested over a bounced check. In 2021, a warrant was issued in Michigan related to a sex trafficking investigation, though he claims it stemmed from miscommunication.
Now, as Primetime enters global conversation, the line between journalism, entertainment, and legacy blurs. The film isn’t just about a man who brought predators to light. It’s about how that story is told, and who gets to decide.
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