A psychological thriller featuring a former child star in a controversial role has drawn sharp criticism from the real-life figure it depicts.
Jonathan Lipnicki stars in full-frontal nude scene in 'Primetime'
The film Primetime, released by A24, stars Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, the former host of To Catch a Predator. The movie dramatizes behind-the-scenes events from the TV series, including the 2006 suicide of Bill Conradt, a Texas prosecutor targeted in a sting operation. Lipnicki, now 35, portrays a pedophile in a scene where he is arrested by Hansen while attempting to meet an underage boy. The role includes a full-frontal nude appearance.
Lipnicki, who rose to fame as a child actor in Jerry Maguire and Stuart Little, told The Hollywood Reporter that he sought "dark material" to challenge himself as an actor. He acknowledged the intensity of the role, stating, "The pedophile element by itself is terrifying to tackle, and then you add the nudity."
Hansen condemns film as 'complete fiction'
Chris Hansen, the real-life host of To Catch a Predator, has publicly rejected the film’s portrayal of him and his work. In interviews with The Wrap and the Planet Tyrus podcast, Hansen described Primetime as "mean-spirited, untrue, and unworthy of the viewer’s time." He specifically criticized the film’s depiction of him as an "aloof, detached father" and argued that the movie distorts the serious nature of his investigations.
Hansen, who had not seen the film at the time of his criticism, emphasized that the movie is entirely fictionalized. He stated, "Nothing in that trailer except for the actor saying my name and 'have a seat' ever happened in real life." He also expressed frustration that the filmmakers used his name without his input, calling it an "insult" to the real work of exposing child predators.
Film’s creative choices spark debate
The film’s casting of Pattinson as Hansen and Lipnicki’s nude scene have drawn attention beyond Hansen’s objections. Lipnicki, who previously appeared nude in a stage production of Lost Girls, told reporters the nudity did not deter him from taking the role. The movie’s release follows years of limited theatrical work for Lipnicki since his child star fame.
Hansen, while critical of the film’s accuracy, praised Pattinson’s acting, calling him "very gracious" in their interactions. However, he directed his strongest objections at the filmmakers, accusing them of twisting the legacy of To Catch a Predator into a "dark, over-dramatized portrayal."
The film’s distributor, A24, has not publicly responded to Hansen’s remarks.