Robert Pattinson Approached Chris Hansen Portrayal In ‘Primetime’ As “A Fan”: “I Was Trying To Make Him Cool”

Although Chris Hansen has made clear that the feeling is not mutual, Primetime‘s Robert Pattinson has confessed he’s a fan of the To Catch a Predator host.

Following Hansen’s ongoing criticism of the Lance Oppenheim-helmed film, which is now playing in theaters, Pattinson explained that he “was trying to make [Hansen] look cool” in the Ajon Singh-penned A24 movie, which was based on a 2007 Esquire article by Luke Dittrich.

“I mean, it’s weird. I was trying to make him cool. He is cool. I’m a fan,” Pattinson told ET. “I think in some ways, it’s an aesthetic thing; what I think is cool might not be cool to other people.”

While Hansen has accused the film of capitalizing on his name, Pattinson noted that he’s seen the film introducing the Dateline alum to a whole new generation of fans.

“From the screeners we’ve gone to, I think it’s amazing when you see really, really young audiences and people turning up dressed as Chris Hansen,” he said. “Everybody’s doing Chris Hansen impressions, and they’re gonna be putting Chris Hansen posters on their walls.”

Robert Pattinson insists he's a fan of Chris Hansen and thinks it's awesome more people will get to discover him thanks to 'Primetime.' pic.twitter.com/NpWQKZuAnz

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) October 11, 2026

Pattinson continued, “I think it’s kind of awesome, and it’s at the same age that I discovered him. And then [they] go back, and look at his work, and rediscover or discover all the important work he’s doing as well.”

Before giving his official review of Primetime, Hansen has gone on a public rollercoaster of reactions to the project, including contemplating legal action and purchasing ad space before upcoming screenings of the movie to promote his true-crime streaming network TruBlu, where he continues his sting investigations.

Now in theaters, Primetime follows Chris Hansen (Pattinson) as he attempts to make television history with NBCs To Catch a Predator (2004-’07), a hidden camera show that set up stings for adult men seeking sex from minors online.