Robert Pattinson Goes Viral For Chris Hansen Transformation in ‘Primetime'

It seems ridiculous to call Robert Pattinson underrated. He was a global teenage heartthrob in “Twilight,” and he’s been literal Batman, not to mention all the high-brow dramatic movies for which he’s totally transformed himself.

But I think Robert Pattinson is underrated, and anyone still on the fence about giving a recovering teen heartthrob his due may be converted by the end of 2026.

Pattinson and Zendaya began the year by reviving the classic blockbuster, co-starring in A24’s “The Drama,” which crossed $100 million at the global box office in late April, along with its associated press tour. The British actor also stars in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” out July 17, and he’ll appear in “Dune: Part Three” in December. Sometime in between, Pattinson will bring Chris Hansen to the big screen in A24’s “Primetime.”

The first official teaser dropped on Wednesday.

“Primetime” is about the iconic early 2000s Dateline NBC series “To Catch a Predator,” which Hansen hosted. In the 63-second clip, Pattinson eerily mimics Hansen’s voice, to the point that it’s easy to forget you’re watching a movie trailer until Pattinson’s face appears 38 seconds in.

As of this writing, Discussing Film’s X post of the “Primetime” teaser has 13.1 million views. The comments are full of praise for Pattinson’s vocal transformation and general intrigue over such a left-field casting for Hansen.

The official teaser on YouTube relays that “Primetime” is “coming soon,” though Deadline reports it will hit theatres this fall. “Primetime” was directed by Lance Oppenheim and written by Ajon Singh. In addition to embodying Hansen, Pattinson is listed as a producer. Deadline’s Matt Grobar first reported its development in October 2024.

Watch the full teaser below.

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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 12:08 AM.