Robert Pattinson is taking on an unusual role in “Primetime,” portraying “To Catch a Predator” host and journalist Chris Hansen. The actor has played a wide range of characters throughout his career, but bringing Hansen to life presented a unique challenge. Pattinson recently opened up about how he prepared to capture the host’s distinctive voice and mannerisms.
The premiere of “Primetime” is weeks away, but Robert Pattinson has already received heaps of praise from critics and fans over his portrayal of Chris Hansen.
The teaser for the A24 film was released in May, and it was the first time audiences caught a glimpse of the actor as Hansen, per The Blast. Users commented on Pattinson’s voice and delivery of Hansen’s most famous lines, noting his impressive transformation. “Dude… the ‘you see how this looks’ was spot on holy sh-t” one user commented.
The movie chronicles what happened behind-the-scenes on Dateline NBC’s investigation show, “To Catch a Predator,” which aired from 2004 to 2007. In it, Hansen exposed child predators by setting up sting operations and confronting them in front of cameras as they arrived at a staged home.
It Was ‘Incredibly Difficult’ For The Actor To Mimic The Host’s Voice
Hansen has a distinct voice, and his delivery is characterized by an unnervingly composed tone, even when talking to suspected sexual offenders. He also used common phrases throughout the show, including “What did you think was going to happen here tonight?” and “You see how this looks.”
Pattinson admitted that it was “incredibly difficult” to mimic Hansen’s voice. To prepare for the role, he listened to Hansen’s podcast, “Have a Seat with Chris Hansen,” in which the host revisits some cases and talks to law enforcement and legal experts.
“He has a podcast discussing his old cases, and I was just walking around constantly trying to imitate his voice, but it’s pretty dark material,” Pattinson told GQ. He walked on the streets while listening to Hansen and practiced out loud. “His voice is really iconic to me, and it’s very hard to do it,” the actor added.
Robert Pattinson Really Liked The Script For ‘Primetime’
In 2024, it was reported that documentary filmmaker Lance Oppenheim was helming “Primetime,” which was financed by the independent entertainment company A24. Pattinson was also said to be attached to the project as one of its producers.
The actor said that he came on as a producer after reading the first draft of the script. He was also working on a documentary with Oppenheim and was interested to see how the filmmaker’s style translated into the movie.
“When the second draft of the script came in, I was like, ‘Ooh, I really like this.’ It’s really unusual and kind of audacious. I’m so curious to see how people will receive it,” he said, adding that it’s the first project he produced in which he was involved from the start.
Chris Hansen Said The ‘Primetime’ Trailer Was ‘Dramatic’
Hansen was in no way involved in the production of the movie, but he has seen the trailer. While he acknowledges Pattinson and Oppenheim’s talents, he said the trailer was too “dramatic” for his taste.
Furthermore, he said the “Batman” actor wouldn’t have been his first choice to play him, saying that he would have picked Denis Leary, as reported by The Blast. He noted, however, that he will reserve judgment on the movie until he sees it in its entirety.
Hansen’s family, on the other hand, was impressed by Pattinson, as the journalist told Entertainment Tonight. “It’s not so much what I think; it’s what other people think. My wife, my family, seems to think it’s a pretty good imitation,” he said.
The Journalist Claims He Wasn’t Allowed To See Film Due To Unsigned NDA
Hansen said he was offered a private screening of “Primetime” ahead of its release, but when he arrived at the studio, he was asked to sign an NDA. He refused and left the premises without seeing the film.
A24 has responded to Hansen’s claims, saying that it was a standard NDA needed for unreleased projects to prevent spoilers and protect intellectual property.
Hansen later aired his frustration at the company, calling the filmmakers out for not having the “common courtesy ” to approach him about the film before moving forward with production, especially since he’s being portrayed in the project. The journalist also reminded viewers that “Primetime” is a “work of fiction” and is only loosely based on him and his former show.
“Primetime” will be released in theaters on September 25.
