Chris Hansen says Robert Pattinson was not his first choice for upcoming film "Primetime"

Chris Hansen told listeners of the "Serialously" podcast that he had not envisioned Robert Pattinson when the upcoming A24 film "Primetime" was conceived. He said he had previously discussed the role with actor Denis Leary, depending on the project's age, and noted that casting Pattinson was driven by the studio’s desire for commercial success. > "Obviously they want a commercial endeavor to succeed and they think this is the way it’s going to succeed," Hansen said.

Hansen, who has had no involvement in the film’s production, said he would attend a private screening soon and would comment after seeing the finished product. He added that the producers likely used his name because it would help market the movie. The trailer released in May shows Pattinson portraying Hansen, including a vocal imitation of the journalist.

"Primetime," directed by Lance Oppenheim, is scheduled for release on September 25 and also features Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Anna Faris, Jonathan Lipnicki, Tony Revolori and Creed Bratton. The film dramatizes the origin of Hansen’s "To Catch a Predator" series, which aired from 2004 to 2007 and drew criticism for its vigilante-style sting operations.