A24 has officially released the initial trailer for Primetime, an upcoming biographical psychological crime thriller centered on the origins and rise of the television investigative series To Catch a Predator. The film marks the narrative feature directorial debut of documentary filmmaker Lance Oppenheim (Ren Faire, Some Kind of Heaven).

Set in 2006, the film stars Robert Pattinson as television journalist Chris Hansen during the peak popularity of his hidden-camera sting operations for Dateline NBC. The narrative explores the production mechanics, legal friction, and ethical questions surrounding the broadcast phenomenon, which utilized online decoys and local law enforcement to confront individuals attempting to meet minors.

Written by Ajon Singh, the supporting cast features Merritt Wever as an NBC producer, Skyler Gisondo as an aspiring actor hired as an undercover decoy, and musician Phoebe Bridgers making her feature acting debut. The broader ensemble includes Anna Faris as Mary Joan Hansen, along with Matthew Maher, Bokeem Woodbine, Tony Revolori, and Creed Bratton. In addition to his lead performance, Pattinson serves as a producer on the project alongside Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Fred Berger, William Iannaccone, Brighton McCloskey, Lars Knudsen, and Ari Aster. The production represents a joint banner collaboration between A24, Range Media Partners, Icki Eneo Arlo, and Square Peg.

The real-world series To Catch a Predator originally aired periodic investigative specials on NBC from 2004 until its cancellation following a controversial 2006 Texas sting operation involving assistant district attorney Bill Conradt. Primetime is scheduled to make its international debut at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival before opening in North American theaters on September 25, 2026.

View the full trailer below: