Chris Hansen Buys Ads to Counter Robert Pattinson's 'Primetime' Film

The man who once famously confronted suspected predators is now finding himself on the other side of the lens, and he's not happy about it. Chris Hansen, the indelible host of To Catch a Predator, is reportedly taking a rather unconventional approach to the upcoming A24 thriller Primetime. The film, which stars Robert Pattinson and is directed by Lance Oppenheim (known for Spermworld), is based on the Esquire article "Tonight On Dateline, This Man Will Die." Hansen, apparently displeased with how he might be portrayed, refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement that would have allowed him an advance screening.

Instead of letting the film speak for itself, Hansen has opted for a proactive, and some might say defiant, publicity stunt. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he has purchased advertising slots before every screening of Primetime through his own streaming network, TruBlu. These ads reportedly feature Hansen himself, addressing the audience and directing them to take a seat – a move that cleverly ties into his past work while promoting his current endeavors. This strategy offers a unique form of synergy, albeit one born from contention, that A24 might not be entirely opposed to, given the added buzz it generates.

Hansen's Media Maneuvers

This latest development follows Hansen's appearance in David Osit's media-crit documentary Predators. In that film, Hansen faced tough questions regarding media ethics from the former Dateline NBC anchor, questions he didn't appear fully prepared to answer. The irony of Chris Hansen now hawking his own crusader persona to promote his network, while simultaneously pursuing legal options against a film that might criticize him for building fame on that very persona, is a narrative loop that doesn't seem to be lost on observers. The film, humorously dubbed "Dark Knightcrawler" by some on social media, promises to delve into the complexities of Hansen's career and the methods he employed.

The Stakes for Fans

For fans of true crime, media commentary, and perhaps even the schadenfreude of public figures battling their own narratives, Primetime and Hansen's reaction offer a compelling meta-story. It raises questions about how real-life figures engage with their fictionalized counterparts and the power dynamics at play when Hollywood adapts controversial careers. Will Hansen's preemptive advertising campaign boost his network or simply add fuel to the fire, making audiences even more curious about what the film will reveal? The situation underscores the blurred lines between reality TV, journalism, and cinematic interpretation, leaving viewers eager to see how this complex narrative unfolds both on screen and in the public sphere.

What's Next

Primetime is set to premiere at the Venice International Film Festival before hitting theaters on September 25. Audiences will soon be able to judge for themselves how Robert Pattinson and Lance Oppenheim have depicted the world of Chris Hansen and his controversial legacy.