Primetime

Primetime is an upcoming American crime drama from A24, directed by Lance Oppenheim in his narrative feature film debut. The film is inspired by the early 2000s television news magazine Dateline NBC, specifically the To Catch a Predator segments hosted by Chris Hansen, in which adult men were confronted by hidden cameras at sting houses after arriving to meet minors. Robert Pattinson both produces and stars as the crime-investigating television journalist, working through his production company Icki Eneo Arlo alongside A24. The ensemble cast includes Phoebe Bridgers (the Grammy-winning musician making a notable acting appearance), Merritt Wever, and Sean Bridgers, all of whom were spotted filming on location in March 2025. The film's specific plot details remain under wraps, but the To Catch a Predator premise sets up a tense exploration of media ethics, vigilante justice, and the spectacle of televised law enforcement. Principal photography began in early February 2025 in New Orleans under the working title Bluefin Tuna, a codename used to keep the high-profile production under the radar. Filming took place across the city, with notable production activity in the West Bank neighborhood of Algiers, where crews transformed residential streets into the film's setting. The production wrapped by March 28, 2025, completing a roughly two-month shoot. Director Lance Oppenheim is known for his acclaimed documentary work, including Some Kind of Heaven (2020), which chronicled life in The Villages retirement community in Florida. Primetime marks his transition to narrative filmmaking. Pattinson's involvement as both star and producer reflects his continued partnership with A24 following his acclaimed roles in Good Time and The Lighthouse. No release date has been announced yet, but the film is expected to debut in late 2025 or 2026.