Robert Pattinson transforms into Chris Hansen in first full trailer for 'Primetime'

A24 has released the first full trailer for Primetime, giving audiences their most detailed look yet at Robert Pattinson's transformation into television journalist Chris Hansen in a drama inspired by the origins of the groundbreaking crime series To Catch a Predator. The film is scheduled to make its world premiere in competition at the VENICE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL before opening in cinemas on September 25.

The footage recreates Hansen's trademark on camera confrontations, with Pattinson delivering dialogue familiar to viewers of To Catch a Predator. Among the lines featured in the trailer are, "What would have happened if I wasn't here? You see how this looks, right?" and the iconic introduction, "I'm Chris Hansen with Dateline NBC."

Rather than presenting a conventional biographical drama, the trailer suggests that Primetime will examine the media phenomenon surrounding the programme and the ethical questions that emerged as the series became a cultural sensation. While A24 has not revealed the full narrative, the promotional material hints at a story exploring the relationship between journalism, crime reporting and televised entertainment.

The film also stars Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo and musician Phoebe Bridgers in supporting roles. Oppenheim directs from a screenplay written by Ajon Singh. The production team includes Pattinson alongside Brian Kavanaugh Jones, Fred Berger, Brighton McCloskey, Lars Knudsen and Tyler Campellone.

To Catch a Predator originally aired as part of Dateline NBC and followed Hansen as he confronted adults accused of attempting to meet minors they believed they had contacted online. Working alongside law enforcement, the programme became one of the most talked about true crime formats of the 2000s and significantly influenced later crime focused television.

The trailer also indicates that Primetime may explore the personal and professional pressures behind creating a programme that generated enormous public attention while attracting debate over its methods. Industry observers have already noted similarities in atmosphere to Nightcrawler, the acclaimed 2014 thriller examining sensationalist television journalism, although the full direction of Oppenheim's film will become clearer after its festival premiere.

The Venice debut places Primetime among one of the year's highest profile festival line ups, immediately positioning the film within the awards conversation ahead of its theatrical release. Pattinson's portrayal of Hansen has already generated significant discussion following the trailer's debut, with many praising his physical transformation and vocal performance.

The film reaches cinemas on September 25.