Robert Pattinson’s voice is barely recognisable in the trailer for his new A24 film Primetime, in which he portrays American TV host Chris Hansen. The 40-year-old British actor steps into the role of the presenter who fronted the true-crime NBC Dateline programme To Catch A Predator.
The series, which aired from 2004 to 2007, followed Hansen as he confronted adult men who arrived at a sting house expecting to meet underage girls. Working with law enforcement, the team used hidden cameras and actors posing as minors to catch alleged paedophiles, broadcasting the confrontations to millions.
In the newly released trailer, Pattinson mimics Hansen’s distinctive voice, delivering lines typical of the host: “What would have happened if I wasn’t here? You see how this looks, right? At the end of the day, man must be held accountable for the decisions that he makes. Do you agree?” He later adds: “I’m Chris Hansen from Dateline NBC, and you’re about to be a part of television history.”
The show was cancelled after the suicide of Texas district attorney William “Bill” Conradt Jr, who shot himself after officers and film crew entered his home during an undercover sting. His sister, Patricia Conradt, later sued NBC, alleging the company failed to protect her brother. The case was settled in 2008.
Directed by Lance Oppenheim, the film also stars Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo and singer Phoebe Bridgers, making her acting debut. Primetime is the latest in a string of projects for Pattinson this year, including The Drama, Mickey 17, and upcoming blockbusters The Odyssey and Dune: Part Three.
