Robert Pattinson was not Chris Hansen’s first choice to portray him in the much-anticipated movie Primetime. Pattinson quickly earned praise from audiences and critics after the first glimpse of Pattinson as the journalist Hansen was featured in the trailer for the upcoming A24 film. The movie follows the journalist during the period when he shed light on some of the most disturbing cases while hosting the reality series To Catch a Predator. 

If anything, Pattinson’s filmography and experience seemingly make him well-suited for the role, allowing him to transform into a chameleon and bring a younger version of Hansen to life. However, as Hansen recently revealed, it was not Pattinson but the Judgment Night actor that the journalist had in mind to portray him.

Chris Hansen joined Annie Elise on the Serialously podcast and spoke at length about the upcoming film, Primetime, which brings a crucial chapter of his life to the screen. While discussing Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of him in the crime thriller, Hansen revealed that he did not get to choose the actor who would play him in the movie. He further shared that he had previously imagined a movie about his life and felt Denis Leary could play him.

“I didn’t get to choose my own guy here,” he said.

“I thought Denis Leary would be a good guy to play me, depending on the age of it all,” he revealed. 

Leary is well known for his performances in Demolition Man, Judgment Night, and The Sandlot. While Hansen mentioned his first choice on the podcast, the journalist did not say much about the movie or Pattinson’s performance, adding that he has yet to see the film. However, Hansen assured that he is set to watch it at a private screening in the following week and will share his honest opinion with the audience. The journalist shared that he was asked by the film’s crew to be part of the project but did not get involved in the movie. 

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And while he refused to comment on the movie itself, Hansen had plenty to say about what he learned from watching the trailer.

During the Serialously podcast, Chris Hansen shared that he had watched the trailer for Primetime and called it “dramatic.” He further acknowledged how impressive the director and actors behind the project are. However, Hansen seemed to question the motivations behind making the movie.

“I also have some questions: what’s Hollywood’s motive here? We don’t know, but I’ll find out, and I promise I’ll let you know,” he further added. 

"They want a commercial endeavor to succeed, and they think this is the way it’s going to succeed,” he said.

The film follows Chris Hansen during the peak of his time hosting the controversial show To Catch a Predator, which ran from 2004 to 2007. While the movie is officially set to be released on September 25, 2026, Hansen will likely share his opinion on the film earlier than that date. Since Hansen has already questioned Primetime’s approach, his verdict after seeing the full film will be a crucial one.

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What do you think about Primetime and Chris Hansen's comment on it? Let us know in the comments.