Chris Hansen says Robert Pattinson’s ‘Primetime’ portrayal feels exploitative as he considers taking legal action

Chris Hansen is considering whether to take legal action over his portrayal in A24’s upcoming film Primetime, saying the project feels exploitative and raising concerns about the use of his name and the names of people connected to him.

The former To Catch a Predator host discussed the possibility during an appearance on SiriusXM’s The Dan Abrams Show, where he revealed that he had received legal advice suggesting he could have what was described to him as a "decent case" against the film. Hansen also indicated that he remains uncertain about whether pursuing the matter would be worthwhile, particularly because he has not yet seen the finished film.

Hansen said a lawyer with extensive experience in entertainment law had told him that legal action could be possible. However, he acknowledged the potential complications, including the amount of time and attention such a dispute could require. He also expressed concern that publicly challenging the film could unintentionally increase interest in it and turn the dispute into part of its promotional campaign.

The controversy centres on the way Primetime fictionalises Hansen’s work on To Catch a Predator, the hidden camera television series that featured investigations into adults attempting to arrange sexual encounters with minors online. Robert Pattinson portrays Hansen in the film, which is directed by Lance Oppenheim. A24 lists the film for theatrical release on September 25, 2026.

Hansen has particularly objected to what he described as the use of his name, as well as the names of colleagues and family members, in a story he understands to be fictionalised. He questioned why the production had not directly explained what it was doing with those real life elements.

"It feels very exploitive to me," Hansen said. He also described the approach as "sneaky and disingenuous", arguing that he should have been informed about how his identity and personal connections would be incorporated into the production.

His concerns have already created several points of tension with the film’s production. Hansen previously travelled to attend a private screening after being invited by the production team, but he was turned away after refusing to sign an agreement required for the preview. Hansen characterised the document as highly restrictive and said he believed it could affect his rights relating to his name, image and brand.

The agreement was described as an NDA for an unreleased film, a standard mechanism used for preview screenings to protect confidential material and prevent spoilers. Hansen declined to sign it, meaning he did not receive access to the screening.

Hansen has also bought advertising space ahead of screenings of Primetime to promote TruBlu, his true crime streaming network, where he continues to produce and host sting investigations. That campaign has added another layer to the increasingly public dispute surrounding the film.

Despite the escalating criticism, Hansen has not announced that he has filed a lawsuit against A24 or the filmmakers. His latest comments indicate that he is weighing his options while still waiting to see the movie itself. With Primetime scheduled to reach cinemas on September 25, the legal questions surrounding Hansen’s depiction could continue to draw attention as the release approaches.