Thriller ‘Primetime’ banned in Malaysia by Film Censorship Board, distributor says

A screen capture shows a promotional poster for ‘Primetime’. — A24 pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Tuesday, 06 Oct 2026 3:06 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — A24’s psychological thriller Primetime has been banned in Malaysia by the Film Censorship Board (Lembaga Penapis Filem, or LPF), local distributor Antenna Entertainment announced today.

In a statement posted on X, Antenna expressed regret to local moviegoers, confirming that the film “will not be released in Malaysia.”

“Unfortunately, the film has been BANNED by Lembaga Penapis Filem (LPF),” the distributor said in its post.

“We sincerely apologise for any disappointment and thank everyone for your support and interest in PRIMETIME.”

Leading cinema chain Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) separately confirmed the cancellation on X, notifying patrons that the title would no longer see a Malaysian release, though the exhibitor’s post did not explicitly reference the censorship ban.

Neither Antenna nor GSC disclosed the specific grounds behind the censorship board’s prohibition. The LPF has yet to issue a public statement explaining the decision.

The ban follows an earlier release postponement announced on Sept 19 by Antenna and TGV Cinemas, which had initially shifted the film’s Malaysian debut from Oct 1 to Oct 8.

That earlier notice apologised for the scheduling change while teasing an unspecified “something in the works” for Oct 2, the nature of which remains unconfirmed.

Directed by Lance Oppenheim in his narrative feature debut, Primetime stars Robert Pattinson, who also serves as a producer. The film features Pattinson portraying a fictionalized television host inspired by Chris Hansen of NBC’s reality show To Catch a Predator.

The ensemble cast includes Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, and singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers. The screenplay draws inspiration from a 2007 Esquire investigative feature documenting the controversial behind-the-scenes production of the reality television series.

The film made its world premiere in competition at the Venice International Film Festival on Sept 5 before opening across North American cinemas on Sept 25.