Primetime (2026 film)
Upcoming film by Lance Oppenheim
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Primetime is an upcoming American thriller film[1][2] 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.[3] It follows the production of the reality television series 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.[4][5] Robert Pattinson stars as Hansen, and also serves as a producer.[6] Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, and Phoebe Bridgers play supporting roles.
by Luke Dittrich
- Brian Kavanaugh-Jones
- Fred Berger
- William Iannaccone
- Robert Pattinson
- Brighton McCloskey
- Lars Knudsen
- Ari Aster
| Primetime | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Lance Oppenheim |
| Written by | Ajon Singh |
| Based on | "Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die" by Luke Dittrich |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | David Bolen |
| Edited by | Daniel Garber |
| Music by | Ari Balouzian |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | A24 |
Release dates |
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Running time | 107 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
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.[7] It will be released theatrically in the United States on September 25, 2026.[8][9]
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[10]
- Merritt Wever as Lynn Keller, Chris' producer at Dateline NBC[11]
- Skyler Gisondo as Dan Plumb, a young aspiring actor hired for the show's sting operations,[11] (based on Dan Schrack)
- Phoebe Bridgers[11]
- Matthew Maher[11]
- Bokeem Woodbine[12]
- Anna Faris as Mary Joan Hansen, Chris' wife[11]
- Jonathan Lipnicki[12]
- Tony Revolori as a child predator caught on the show[12]
- Alex Winter[13][better source needed]
- Eric Rahill
- Sean Bridgers[12]
- Jeff Zucker as himself[11]
- Creed Bratton[11]
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.[14]
Principal photography began in New Orleans under the production title Bluefin Tuna in early February 2025 and had concluded by March 28.[15][16][17][18] On March 11, 2025, Pattinson was spotted on set filming along with co-stars Phoebe Bridgers, Merritt Wever, and Sean Bridgers.[19][20][21] In September 2025, Skyler Gisondo was revealed to be part of the project.[22] Ari Balouzian composed the film's score.[23]
Release
Primetime 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.[24] 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.[25] The film will release in the Benelux on October 29, and in France and Germany on September 23.
