Primetime
Teaser poster
Directed by Lance Oppenheim
Screenplay by Ajon Singh
Produced by
  • Robert Pattinson
  • Ari Aster
  • Lars Knudsen
  • Brighton McCloskey
  • Tyler Campellone
  • Fred Berger
  • Brian Kavanaugh-Jones
Starring
  • Robert Pattinson
  • Merritt Wever
  • Skyler Gisondo
  • Phoebe Bridgers
  • Bokeem Woodbine
  • Anna Faris
  • Matthew Maher
Cinematography David Bolen
Edited by Daniel Garber
Production
companies
  • A24
  • Icki Eneo Arlo
  • Range Media Partners
  • Square Peg
Distributed by A24
Release date
Fall 2026
Country United States
Language English

Primetime is an upcoming American biographical crime thriller film[1] directed by Lance Oppenheim in his narrative feature film debut. The film follows the origins of the television news magazine program To Catch a Predator, which featured host Chris Hansen confronting adult men who would arrive at a sting house to have sex with minors and typically get arrested as a result.[2][3] Robert Pattinson is a producer on the film and stars as Hansen.[4] It also stars Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Matthew Maher, and Bokeem Woodbine in supporting roles.

The film is scheduled for a September 2026 theatrical release.[5][6]

Premise

A journalist reshapes television with his take on the underworld of online sexual predators.

Cast

  • Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen[7]
  • Merritt Wever
  • Skyler Gisondo
  • Matthew Maher
  • Bokeem Woodbine
  • Phoebe Bridgers
  • Sean Bridgers
  • Anna Faris
  • Jonathan Lipnicki

Production

In October 2024, it was announced that Lance Oppenheim would make his fiction feature film debut, with A24 financing and distributing, and Pattinson on board as only a producer at the time; Ari Aster was also reported to be among the film's producers.[8]

Principal photography began in New Orleans under the production title Bluefin Tuna in early February 2025 and wrapped by March 28.[9][10][11][12] On March 11, 2025, Pattinson was spotted on set filming along with co-stars Phoebe Bridgers, Merritt Wever, and Sean Bridgers.[13][14][15] In September 2025, Skyler Gisondo was revealed to be part of the project.[16]

Release

In April 2026, Indian streaming service Lionsgate Play announced that Primetime would be part of its initial batch of theatrical-first releases in September 2026.[17]

References

  1. ^ "Trailer: Robert Pattinson is Chris Hansen, 'To Catch a Predator' host, in A24 'Primetime' thriller". Los Angeles Times. May 27, 2026. Retrieved May 29, 2026.
  2. ^ Rubin, Rebbeca (October 22, 2024). "Robert Pattinson, 'Ren Faire' Director Lance Oppenheim to Develop True Crime Film 'Primetime' for A24". Variety. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  3. ^ Grobar, Matt (October 22, 2024). "Robert Pattinson, Lance Oppenheim Developing Crime Reporting Pic 'Primetime' For A24". Variety. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  4. ^ Kitt, Borys (October 22, 2024). "Robert Pattinson to Produce 'Primetime' for A24, 'Ren Faire' Director Lance Oppenheim". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  5. ^ Gooden, Tai (May 28, 2026). "Robert Pattinson Unlocks a New Voice in PRIMETIME Trailer". Nerdist. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
  6. ^ Hunter, Lauren (April 21, 2026). "Release date set for Robert Pattinson and Phoebe Bridgers movie". faroutmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
  7. ^ Grobar, Matt (May 27, 2026). "'Primetime' Teaser: First Look At Robert Pattinson As 'To Catch A Predator's Chris Hansen In A24 Drama From 'Ren Faire's Lance Oppenheim". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 27, 2026.
  8. ^ London, Rob (October 22, 2024). "Robert Pattinson Is Tackling the Seamy Side of Journalism in Next Project". Film and Television Industry Alliance. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  9. ^ "Primetime (feature film)". Film and Television Industry Alliance. November 25, 2024. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  10. ^ "Caballero Casting Call". Caballero casting - Instagram. February 7, 2025.
  11. ^ Welles, Carlie (March 11, 2025). "Robert Pattinson is filming a movie in New Orleans". Axios. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  12. ^ "Primetime warp photos". X.com. March 29, 2025. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
  13. ^ "Oprah Winfrey Supports Audra McDonald at Gypsy on Broadway, Plus Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris, Heidi Klum and More". People. March 13, 2025. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  14. ^ Deville, Chris (March 13, 2025). "Phoebe Bridgers Rumored To Appear In Robert Pattinson Movie Primetime After Set Photos Surface". Stereogum. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  15. ^ "Primetime set photos". X.com. March 13, 2025. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
  16. ^ "Exclusive: 'Superman's Skyler Gisondo Joins 'Batman' Star Robert Pattinson in A24's Crime Drama 'Primetime'". September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  17. ^ Whittock, Jesse (April 20, 2026). "Lionsgate Play Confirms 'Heated Rivalry' Season 2 Pick-Up As Indian Streamer Unveils To Theatrical-First Plan & Hollywood Push". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 23, 2026.