Primetime

British star Robert Pattinson will look to extend his stellar 2026 box office run by playing a paedophile-hunting TV presenter in upcoming film "Primetime", which premieres at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday. The dark thriller is the first movie for which he has a producer credit and a first feature film from 30-year-old director Lance Oppenheim.

"Primetime" is based on the scandal-plagued NBC reality TV show "To Catch a Predator" which saw presenter Chris Hansen lure paedophiles to fake meetings with children from 2004-2007, then unmask them in front of the TV cameras. Having seen a trailer, Hansen has praised Pattinson's eerie portrayal while also hinting at possible legal action over what looks like a largely unflattering portrait.

Bankable star

The 40-year-old has become one of Hollywood's most bankable stars, with his films this year including hit "The Drama" with Zendaya, as well as "The Odyssey" by Christopher Nolan. He will appear in the third part of "Dune" in December.

As co-producer, Pattinson has invested in the production through his own company, giving him greater control and potential financial rewards. American indie folk singer Phoebe Bridgers plays a cameo as Hansen's wife. "When Lance asked me, I was like 'No way dude, I can't," Bridgers said. The film, made with independent US studio A24, is one of the most anticipated in the main Venice festival competition.