Robert Pattinson is lifting the lid on his transformation into controversial American television personality Chris Hansen in ‘Primetime.’

The acclaimed A24 thriller sees the Hollywood star portray the journalist behind the infamous ‘To Catch a Predator’ series.

And speaking exclusively with That Grape Juice, Pattinson revealed how a role he initially envisioned for other actors became one he wanted for himself.

Full story below…

Directed by Lance Oppenheim, ‘Primetime’ transports audiences back to 2006, when Hansen’s televised sting operations became a phenomenon across America.

As the programme’s popularity soared, so did the pressure to deliver increasingly sensational television. The film explores the uneasy collision of justice, ambition, and entertainment.

For Pattinson, the story offered an unexpected perspective on a personality he thought he already knew.

Reflecting on his familiarity with Hansen and the show’s enduring internet presence, he told TGJ at the BFI London Film Festival 2026:

“I’d watched a ton of the show, but I never really thought about him. And then I read the script and it’s just so strange when someone looks at someone who you’re familiar with in such a different way.”

Interestingly, the actor initially intended to remain behind the scenes as a producer.

However, as he helped develop the screenplay and experimented with the dialogue himself, something changed.

“I had a few actors in mind who I thought would be great to play it… I’m making this part really good now. Like I don’t want to give it to somebody else.”

And the rest, as they say, is history!

Pattinson also opened up about his fascination with true crime, explaining why stories rooted in real events hold a particular appeal for him.

Meanwhile, co-star Merritt Wever shared why portraying the hard-edged producer Andie Bender offered a welcome change of pace.

“Getting to play somebody who was kind of nasty and raw… I played a lot of people who are kind and care about the right things and I needed to step away from that for a while.”

Director Oppenheim was equally enthusiastic about drawing something different from his leading man.

“It feels like a different style of thing from him. It doesn’t feel like anything he’s done before.”

Screenwriter Ajon Singh also discussed the public’s enduring fascination with the original series and the film’s refusal to tell audiences what to think.

The movie has since sparked debate beyond the screen. Hansen himself has questioned its portrayal of events and recently invited Pattinson onto his podcast for a face-to-face discussion.

Nevertheless, ‘Primetime’ has delivered critically and commercially. The thriller boasts an 86% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and has earned more than $50 million worldwide.

The film adds another distinctive chapter to Pattinson’s increasingly varied career, following his recent turn alongside Zendaya in ‘The Drama.’

‘Primetime’ is in UK cinemas now and available digitally in the US.

Watch our exclusive interviews with Robert Pattinson and the ‘Primetime’ team above and let us know…

Your thoughts?

[Photo Credit: That Grape Juice]

The post Exclusive: Robert Pattinson Reveals Why He Kept His ‘Primetime’ Role appeared first on ..::That Grape Juice.net::.. - Thirsty?.