Chris Hansen was unable to view the new A24 film “Primetime.”
The 66-year-old seasoned journalist visited the offices of indie distributor A24 to see the Lance Oppenheim-directed film, where he is portrayed by Robert Pattinson, ahead of its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. However, he left without watching it.
The former host of “To Catch a Predator” appeared on Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime” to explain that he arrived at the studio’s offices for a private screening of “Primetime” at 10 a.m. last Thursday. The drama, led by Pattinson, centers on Hansen’s tenure with the hidden-camera franchise. Hansen alleges he walked away because he refused to sign a legal agreement he found unprecedented in his four-decade career.
According to a source close to A24, Hansen was asked to sign a standard non-disclosure agreement (NDA) required for all preview audiences of unreleased films to prevent spoilers and protect the studio’s intellectual property.
“A24’s lawyers wanted me to waive my rights to my name, image, and brand, as well as any potential legal claims arising from the movie,” Hansen stated during his appearance. “I couldn’t agree to that, so they didn’t allow me to see the film. I went all the way there.”
When questioned by Watters about whether he acted without legal advice, Hansen confirmed his attorneys had already reviewed the documents and advised against signing. “Of course not,” he replied when asked if he signed anything without legal counsel. “This was an exceptionally restrictive agreement. I’ve never encountered anything like it.”
Hansen asserted that the agreement he was asked to sign would have broader legal implications than a typical screening NDA and would not be required of other individuals previewing the film, such as the press and third-party marketing agencies.
This situation is a notable shift from what Hansen mentioned a few days earlier. On the “Serialously With Annie Elise” podcast, he stated that A24 was arranging a private screening for him “in the next week or so,” after which he would evaluate the film and his portrayal.
Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen in A24’s “Primetime.”
Courtesy of A24
Hansen, who has yet to see the film, remains uncertain about the studio’s concerns. “I haven’t watched the film,” he noted. “The trailer clearly shows it’s a highly dramatized version. They informed me it’s fictionalized in numerous aspects. I’m aware of others who have seen it without signing an NDA, yet they insisted I sign one.”
The film’s promotional materials describe “Primetime” as “inspired by true events,” without labeling it a biopic of Hansen.
Written by Ajon Singh, recognized as one of Variety’s 10 Screenwriters to Watch in 2025, the movie draws inspiration from Luke Dittrich’s “Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die.”
Hansen clarified that he has no financial interest in the film, emphasizing he was neither paid nor consulted for the production. He discovered the movie’s existence through his investigative instincts, honed over his lengthy career. “I’m just a working reporter, not versed in Hollywood’s intricacies, but I uncover information,” Hansen remarked. “I’ve been an investigative journalist for four decades, so I knew this was happening.”
His annoyance seems to stem more from the timing of the studio’s outreach. “I received a call today saying, ‘Everyone’s concerned. They want you to be satisfied with the film,’” Hansen recounted. “Why wasn’t I informed when you began filming?”
“Primetime” is set to hit theaters on September 25 following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Directed by Oppenheim in his first narrative feature and scripted by Ajon Singh, the film explores Hansen’s 2006 experience as “To Catch a Predator” transitioned from a “Dateline NBC” segment to its own primetime show. Pattinson stars and also produces through his Icki Eneo Arlo banner, with a supporting cast featuring Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, and Bokeem Woodbine. Former NBCUniversal chief Jeff Zucker appears as himself.
“To Catch a Predator” aired from 2004 to 2007 as a recurring “Dateline NBC” investigation. It involved Hansen and a camera crew working with decoys posing as minors to confront men lured to sting houses. The series was canceled following a 2006 operation in Texas, where Rockwall County assistant district attorney Louis Conradt died by suicide as authorities and the show’s crew attempted to arrest him.
For now, it seems Hansen will have to watch the film along with the general public, by purchasing a theater ticket. When asked what he would say to Pattinson, Hansen turned to his well-known catchphrase: “Take a seat right over there.”
A24 declined to comment.
