Merritt Wever on 'Primetime,' Lance Oppenheim's Thriller About 'To Catch a Predator'
In the psychological thriller Primetime, Merritt Wever plays producer Andie Bender, marking Lance Oppenheim's debut as a feature director. The film draws inspiration from Chris Hansen's work on NBC's To Catch a Predator, with Robert Pattinson portraying Hansen. A memorable moment includes Hansen asking a predator about his "big night planned?" Wever, a three-time Emmy winner, shared with Vogue that she was unaware she was part of a period piece, highlighting the prevalence of cameras and the internet. The movie provides both nostalgia and a glimpse into the show's creation. Wever's character encourages Skyler Gisondo's Dan Plumb to join the set as "Decoy Dan." Primetime releases in theaters on September 25.
Key facts
- Primetime is documentarian Lance Oppenheim's feature directorial debut.
- The film is a psychological thriller based on the work of Chris Hansen, host of To Catch a Predator.
- Robert Pattinson plays Chris Hansen; Merritt Wever plays fictional producer Andie Bender.
- Skyler Gisondo plays Dan Plumb, a 23-year-old who becomes 'Decoy Dan.'
- Merritt Wever won her first Emmy in 2013 with an 11-word speech and has won two more since.
- Wever said she didn't realize she was making a period piece, noting it has been 20 years since the show aired.
- Oppenheim's HBO docuseries Ren Faire helped Wever overcome doubts about his direction.
- Primetime opens in theaters on September 25.
Entities
Artists
- Merritt Wever
- Lance Oppenheim
- Chris Hansen
- Robert Pattinson
- Skyler Gisondo
Institutions
- NBC
- HBO
- Vogue