Chris Hansen, the former NBC Dateline journalist best known for hosting the true-crime series To Catch a Predator, has reacted to Robert Pattinson portraying him in a forthcoming A24 film titled Primetime.

The film, directed by Lance Oppenheim in his narrative feature debut, explores the origins of the controversial investigative programme that aired between 2004 and 2007 and focused on catching adult men attempting to meet minors in sting operations.The film stars Pattinson as Hansen, alongside Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Matthew Maher, and Bokeem Woodbine.

A recently released trailer shows Pattinson adopting a distinctive version of Hansen’s voice and mannerisms, including dialogue referencing accountability and the format of the original Dateline broadcasts.

Speaking on NewsNation, Hansen responded to the trailer with a mixture of surprise and restraint, joking about the existence of the film and suggesting it was unusual to see his life depicted on screen.

When shown Pattinson’s performance, he acknowledged that the impression was somewhat accurate, describing it as “a little bit” and “very dramatic,” while also noting that Pattinson is a young and talented actor.Hansen also stated that he had been aware of the project and that he had been contacted recently, although he declined to go into detail.He confirmed that he does not currently have a working relationship with the filmmakers.

The original To Catch a Predator series, which Hansen fronted across its entire run, became widely known for its undercover stings but also attracted controversy, particularly following the suicide of a Texas assistant district attorney during one of its investigations.

Hansen left NBC in 2013 but has continued similar work through other platforms, including online investigative programmes and a podcast reflecting on his career.Primetime is expected to be released in cinemas this September, although a precise release date has not yet been confirmed.