Chris Hansen at a public appearance
TV & Film

Chris Hansen Threatens Legal Action Over Robert Pattinson’s Movie Inspired By His Life

The former 'To Catch a Predator' host says he wants to watch the film before deciding whether to call his lawyers.

By Rae MitchellPublished Updated 2 min read

Chris Hansen is keeping a very close eye on Hollywood's next big project. The veteran television host, forever etched in pop-culture history for his work on sting-operation journalism, is reportedly keeping tabs on an upcoming movie starring Robert Pattinson that draws heavy inspiration from his life and career. However, there is one major roadblock standing between the TV legend and a potential courtroom showdown. Reports indicate that Hansen has not actually seen the film yet. Before making any definitive decisions about calling in his legal team, he needs to sit down and watch the final cut for himself.

Is Robert Pattinson Playing Chris Hansen in a New Movie?

Chris Hansen at a public appearance
Chris Hansen at a public appearance

Hollywood has spent years mining real-life pop-culture figures for cinematic drama, and Hansen's unique brand of television journalism is tailor-made for the big screen. The project featuring Pattinson is reportedly centered around the fast-paced, high-stakes universe of investigative TV stings that Hansen popularized during the mid-2000s. While the film is heavily influenced by the investigative techniques and public persona that defined Hansen's prime-time run, it remains unclear how directly the movie mirrors his specific personal history. The production is said to draw heavily from the iconic setup of confrontational journalism, a formula that turned Hansen into a massive viral sensation and a household name.

Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen from the "Predator" trailer.
Hansen said that A24 only told him about “Primetime” starring Robert Pattinson in May.

Will Chris Hansen Sue Over the Robert Pattinson Film?

Poster for the movie "Primetime" showing a close-up of Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, his eyes narrowed, with a blue background and film.
The movie is set to release in theaters on September 5.

Hansen is reportedly leaving all of his options on the table regarding potential legal action. According to reports, the former host wants to assess whether the movie takes unfair liberties with his reputation, uses his likeness without proper authorization, or misrepresents his legacy in the media industry. Despite contemplating potential legal steps, Hansen is holding off on taking official action until he gets an advance look at the project. He maintains that he cannot evaluate the legal merits of a claim without viewing the finished product first. Until the studio offers up a private screening or the film hits theaters, the long-time anchor is waiting patiently. But if the movie delivers a portrayal that Hansen finds unacceptable, Hollywood might just find itself on the receiving end of his next big confrontation.

The photos · 3

Chris Hansen at a public appearance
Hansen said that A24 only told him about “Primetime” starring Robert Pattinson in May.
The movie is set to release in theaters on September 5.

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People also ask

Is Robert Pattinson starring in a movie about Chris Hansen?
Robert Pattinson is attached to a movie project that is reportedly inspired by the life and career of investigative TV host Chris Hansen.
Is Chris Hansen suing over the Robert Pattinson film?
Chris Hansen has indicated he is open to exploring legal action, but he wants to view the completed movie before taking any steps.