Primetime (2026 film)

Primetime is an upcoming American biographical psychological crime thriller film directed by Lance Oppenheim in his narrative feature film debut. The film is based on the 2007 Esquire article "Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die" by Luke Dittrich. It follows the origins of the television news magazine program To Catch a Predator, which featured host Chris Hansen confronting child sexual predators who would arrive at a sting house and typically get arrested as a result. Robert Pattinson stars as Hansen, and also acts as a producer. Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, and Phoebe Bridgers play supporting roles.

Overview§

Primetime is an upcoming American biographical psychological crime thriller film directed by Lance Oppenheim in his narrative feature film debut. The film is based on the 2007 Esquire article "Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die" by Luke Dittrich. It follows the origins of the television news magazine program To Catch a Predator, which featured host Chris Hansen confronting child sexual predators who would arrive at a sting house and typically get arrested as a result. Robert Pattinson stars as Hansen, and also acts as a producer. Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, and Phoebe Bridgers play supporting roles. The film will have its world premiere at the main competition of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 5, 2026, where it will compete for the Golden Lion. It will be released theatrically in the United States on September 25, 2026.

Premise§

In 2006, Chris Hansen sets out to make television history as the host of To Catch a Predator.

Cast§

Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen Merritt Wever as Lynn Keller, Chris' producer at Dateline NBC Skyler Gisondo as Dan Plumb, a young aspiring actor hired for the show's sting operations, (based on Dan Schrack) Phoebe Bridgers Matthew Maher Bokeem Woodbine Anna Faris as Mary Joan Hansen, Chris' wife Jonathan Lipnicki Tony Revolori as a child predator caught on the show Alex Winter Eric Rahill Sean Bridgers Jeff Zucker as himself Creed Bratton

Production§

In October 2024, it was announced that Lance Oppenheim would make his feature film debut from a script written by Ajon Singh, with A24 financing and distributing, and Robert Pattinson on board as only a producer at the time; Ari Aster was also reported to be among the film's producers. The project was revealed to be based on host Chris Hansen's show To Catch a Predator. Principal photography started in New Orleans under the production title Bluefin Tuna in early February 2025 and had concluded by March 28. On March 11, 2025, Pattinson was spotted on set filming along with co-stars Phoebe Bridgers, Merritt Wever, and Sean Bridgers. In September 2025, Skyler Gisondo was revealed to be part of the project. Ari Balouzian composed the film's score.

Release§

The film is scheduled to be theatrically released in the United States on September 25, 2026, after scheduling its worldwide premiere at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. Indian streaming service Lionsgate Play announced that Primetime would be part of its initial batch of theatrical-first releases in September 2026 in April 2026. The film will release in the Benelux on October 29, and in France and Germany on September 23.