Chris Hansen says he’ll watch A24’s “Primetime” after private screening invitation, days before Robert Pattinson-led thriller release

Chris Hansen said he plans to watch A24’s “Primetime” after the film’s team invited him to a private screening, prompting the former “To Catch a Predator” host to respond to questions about the project’s intent and casting. Deadline reported that Hansen confirmed he would be “going to see it,” after the invitation from the film’s creators.

The A24 thriller, helmed by writer-director Lance Oppenheim, is centered on Hansen and is notable for its casting of Robert Pattinson in the role. Hansen’s decision to attend a screening comes amid public curiosity around how the film will approach the subject matter associated with his television work.

In remarks reported by Deadline, Hansen addressed the idea that Hollywood’s motives could be at odds with the original premise of the type of reporting that made him a household name. He indicated that while he had heard concerns, he was not closing the door before seeing the film.

Deadline’s report characterizes Hansen as skeptical but open, describing the private screening invitation as a turning point for his response. The former host did not report agreement with any particular characterization of the film’s purpose, but he framed watching the movie as the next factual step.

A24, which has been active in developing and releasing prestige films across multiple genres, is putting its own stamp on the project through the studio’s production and distribution approach. “Primetime” also sits within a broader pattern of recent screen adaptations that rely on recognizable media figures and previously public-facing stories to draw audiences.

Oppenheim’s direction and the Pattinson-led casting add further attention to the release, which Deadline describes as already circulating enough to reach Hansen directly. The invitation suggests the filmmakers viewed Hansen as a stakeholder whose reaction could matter to audiences and to the film’s public narrative.

With Hansen confirming attendance for the screening, the next phase for the story is straightforward: audience and media coverage will likely hinge on what the film actually depicts and how it frames Hansen’s role within the broader premise. Hansen’s reported comments also set up a clearer baseline for any subsequent interviews and public discussion after he views the movie.