Pattinson Says He Hopes Former 'To Catch a Predator' Host Will Enjoy Satirical Film "Primetime"

Robert Pattinson told reporters at the Venice Film Festival that he hopes former "To Catch a Predator" host Chris Hansen will eventually enjoy the film "Primetime," in which Pattinson portrays a television presenter modeled on Hansen. "Obviously, I hope he likes the movie," Pattinson said, adding that the project serves as a kind of compliment to the on-screen personality he described as magnetic.

"Primetime" offers a fictionalized version of the NBC sting operations that targeted alleged child predators and were discontinued after a probe involving Texas prosecutor Louis "Bill" Conradt Jr., who later died by suicide. Hansen, 66, has criticized the trailer, calling the film "all made up" and "disappointing," and told Variety that Pattinson's depiction is "overly dramatic," though he noted his family finds it a "pretty good imitation."

Hansen has purchased pre-show advertisements to promote his TruBlu streaming service before theatrical screenings and has hinted at possible legal action. Director Lance Oppenheim said he looks forward to Hansen seeing the movie and hearing his reaction. Critics at Venice responded positively; the film holds a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes ahead of its scheduled September 25 theatrical release. Nicholas Barber of the BBC praised Pattinson's performance as "dizzying" and highlighted the satirical tone of the media critique.