Robert Pattinson is taking on a different kind of role in the upcoming movie “Primetime,” portraying TV presenter and journalist Chris Hansen. While the actor has been lauded for his transformation into the “To Catch a Predator” host, as seen in the trailer, Hansen has some thoughts about the casting choice.
In a recent interview, the TV personality revealed that he wouldn’t have picked Pattinson to play him and named the actor he would have chosen instead. In addition, he is also questioning the motive behind the A24 film.
Robert Pattinson is having a big year on the big screen, with four major films on his slate. He has already appeared in “The Drama” and “The Odyssey,” with two more highly anticipated movies still to come: “Primetime” and “Dune: Part Three.”
When the first look at Pattinson as Chris Hansen was released in a teaser in May, many reacted positively to the transformation, praising how the actor embodied the “To Catch a Predator” host.
In a recent interview, Hansen shared his honest thoughts about the movie and the casting. He acknowledged that Pattinson was a good actor, but he wouldn’t have picked him if he had been given the option.
“Years ago, I had crafted a script and thought Denis Leary would be a good guy to play me, depending on the age of it all,” Hansen told host Annie Elise on the “Serialously” podcast.
Leary appeared in movies such as “Judgment Night,” “Demolition Man,” and “The Thomas Crown Affair,” and he also provides the voice of Diego in “Ice Age.”
The Journalist Was Not Involved In ‘Primetime’
“Primetime” is a crime thriller that explores the production of the TV series “To Catch a Predator,” in which Hansen confronted suspected internet predators after conducting sting operations. The series aired from 2004 to 2007.
The movie is produced by A24, with Lance Oppenheim at the helm. The movie also stars Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher, Bokeem Woodbine, and Anna Faris.
Hansen said that while he was made aware that a film about the show he hosted was being made, he wasn’t involved in the production whatsoever.
“A couple of months ago, they came and said, ‘Hey look, we’re doing this, we’d like you to have some sort of consideration in terms of helping us with this’,” Hansen said. However, he noted that the filmmakers had already completed the project before they reached out to him.
Chris Hansen Thinks The Trailer Is ‘Very Dramatic’
Hansen has not yet seen the movie and, as a journalist, does not want to form an opinion before watching it. He did, however, see the trailer, and in his opinion, it was “dramatic.”
“It looks very dramatic. But again, you know, I’ve been busy being the real Chris Hansen. So I don’t have a lot of time to focus on the fake Chris Hansen in the movie… I know he’s a popular actor, and I know the director is a popular guy. I also have some questions. What’s Hollywood’s motive here?” he asked.
Hansen shared that he had been invited to a private screening of “Primetime” and would share his thoughts on the movie afterward.
‘To Catch A Predator’ Faced Controversy
“To Catch a Predator” faced controversy during its run, with many questioning ethics and the “entrapment” methods used to catch suspects.
The show ended in 2007 following an incident the year prior, in which a Texas assistant district attorney became the focus of a sting operation for soliciting sex with a minor. As the show’s crew and a SWAT team surrounded the home, the suspect shot himself before authorities could get to him.
The show faced severe criticism afterward, but Hansen has repeatedly said “To Catch a Predator” ended because “it had run its course.”
Fans Already Think Robert Pattinson’s Performance Is Oscar-Worthy
Pattinson as Hansen is already generating a lot of online buzz. The full trailer was released on August 6, and it has already accumulated more than 35 million views.
“No freaking way that’s Pattinson’s voice. Simply unbelievable,” one commented. Another user wrote, “Dude legitimately clawed his way out of just being ‘sexy vampire guy.’ Good for him,” referring to Pattinson’s role as Edward Cullen in the vampire saga “Twilight.”
Based on the trailer alone, critics from some outlets are saying the actor deserves an Oscar nod.
“Primetime” will be released in theaters on September 25.
