Chris Hansen has sharply criticized the new A24 film “Primetime,” which stars Robert Pattinson as a dramatized version of the former “To Catch a Predator” host. Hansen described the movie as “detached from reality” after viewing it on its opening day in theaters.

The film, directed by Lance Oppenheim, draws loose inspiration from Hansen’s work on the NBC Dateline segments but takes significant creative liberties, turning the story into what Hansen called a “fever dream” and “essentially a horror film.” He noted that the portrayal mixes in some real elements but fabricates most of the narrative, including scenes and dialogue that never occurred.

Hansen specifically objected to the use of his name, image, and likeness without his involvement or consent. “If it is a fever dream, why was it important that he used my name, image and likeness?” he said in recent interviews. “The answer is because it’s got commercial value. They wanted to exploit the brand that I’ve built over the last 45 years.” He compared the approach to identity theft and labeled it exploitative, pointing out that Hollywood studios often operate in such a manner.

The movie opened in U.S. theaters on Friday, September 25, following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival earlier in the month. Hansen had previously declined a private screening because it required signing a nondisclosure agreement that he believed would limit his ability to object to the portrayal. He ultimately watched it with the public and shared his reaction shortly afterward.

Hansen emphasized that the real investigations involved transparent efforts to protect children from predators, often at personal risk, and rejected depictions that frame the work as primarily exploitative for ratings. He praised Pattinson’s acting ability but maintained that the film distorts the facts and the people involved.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between Hollywood’s interest in dramatizing real events and the rights of individuals whose stories are adapted without authorization. Hansen continues his own sting operations through his TruBlu streaming platform under the “Takedown” series.