Robert Pattinson receives praise for 'uncanny' Chris Hansen performance in 'Primetime' at Venice

Directed by Lance Oppenheim, the thriller sees Pattinson portray a fictionalised version of Chris Hansen

Robert Pattinson has received praise for his performance as television journalist Chris Hansen in Primetime, which premiered in competition at the 2026 Venice Film Festival.

Directed by Lance Oppenheim, the A24 thriller sees Pattinson portray a fictionalised version of Hansen, the former Dateline NBC reporter best known for the To Catch a Predator sting series. The film explores the world of television crime investigations and the complicated relationship between journalism, entertainment and sensationalism.

Pattinson’s transformation into Hansen has been one of the most talked-about elements of the film, with Variety describing his performance as an “uncanny portrait” of the journalist in its Venice review.

The actor has previously revealed that he spent considerable time studying Hansen’s voice and mannerisms while preparing for the role. Pattinson’s portrayal has also drawn a reaction from Hansen himself, who has expressed reservations about the way he is depicted in the film.

Hansen has criticised aspects of Primetime, including its fictionalised elements, while acknowledging that Pattinson’s imitation of him was effective. Pattinson responded to the criticism at Venice, saying he hoped Hansen would ultimately see the film as a compliment to the influence his work had on the story.

“I hope the inspiration his character has given is some kind of compliment,” Pattinson said at the festival.

Primetime is not presented as a straightforward biographical account of Hansen’s life. Instead, Oppenheim uses the real-life television figure and the To Catch a Predator phenomenon as inspiration for a tense story examining the consequences of turning real people and criminal investigations into entertainment.

Pattinson also serves as a producer on the film, which marks Oppenheim’s narrative feature debut. The cast includes Merritt Wever, Matthew Maher, Bokeem Woodbine and Phoebe Bridgers.

The film’s Venice premiere comes ahead of its US theatrical release on September 25, 2026.

With Pattinson’s performance already attracting significant attention at Venice, Primetime is shaping up as another striking departure for the actor, who has continued to take on unconventional roles following his work in films including The Batman and Mickey 17.