Chris Hansen considers legal action over Robert Pattinson film Primetime after screening row

Former television host Chris Hansen has revealed he is keeping his legal options open regarding the upcoming film Primetime, which stars Robert Pattinson and is inspired by his investigative broadcasting career. The presenter was recently turned away from an advance studio screening in New York after refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Chris Hansen considers suing over A24 film Primetime

Chris claimed the studio only contacted him about the project earlier this year, despite Robert taking on a fictionalised version of his persona. When attending the private preview, Chris refused to sign the paperwork, alleging that the terms demanded he release the production company and its associates from future legal claims. Studio sources countered that the agreement was a standard screening contract shared in advance with room for legal edits.

“When someone makes a movie about you but won’t let you see it, you do have to wonder why they won’t let you see it,” Chris said. Although he noted that studio staff were pleasant during earlier discussions, he remains sceptical about how his likeness is handled. “At this point it’s about courtesy. If you make a movie using someone’s name and likeness, you’d think you’d reach out to them about it.”

Studio representatives have maintained that formal consultation was unnecessary because the drama is an inspired fiction rather than an authorised biographical account. However, Chris and his legal advisers are waiting to evaluate the final theatrical release before determining whether to pursue their "right to a remedy."

Rather than waiting idly, Chris is seizing the cultural spotlight ahead of the film’s September release. The veteran presenter has purchased advertising slots before cinema screenings to promote his true-crime network TruBlu and his investigative series Takedown. With the film drawing widespread online anticipation for Robert’s performance, audiences will soon see how the controversial era is reimagined on the big screen.

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