Robert Pattinson apparently spent so much time practicing Chris Hansen’s voice that strangers had no idea what was happening.
The Twilight alum revealed how he prepared to play the To Catch a Predator host in A24’s upcoming film Primetime, admitting that copying Hansen’s unmistakable voice was “incredibly difficult.”
Speaking to GQ India, Pattinson explained that he listened to Hansen’s podcast Have A Seat with Chris Hansen to study his speech patterns.
“He has a podcast discussing his old cases, and I was just walking around constantly trying to imitate his voice, but it’s pretty dark material,” the actor said.
“I’m wandering around the streets saying what he’s talking about, and people are incredibly confused with what’s going on.”
“But his voice is really iconic to me, and it’s very hard to do it,” he added.
Primetime explores the production and ethical questions surrounding To Catch a Predator, which aired from 2004 to 2007.
Pattinson initially joined the project as a producer after being drawn to Ajon Singh’s screenplay. He later pushed for Lance Oppenheim to direct.
“I was like, ‘There’s something about his style that could connect. There’s some sort of Oliver Stone-y, Brian De Palma version of this movie, and I think his style is really perfect for it,’” Pattinson recalled.
Hansen, who wasn’t involved, has questioned “Hollywood’s motive” behind the film.
Still, he admitted Pattinson’s impression isn’t bad.
“While I think it’s overly dramatic, I think there is a pretty good imitation there in the trailer,” Hansen told Entertainment Tonight.
Now fans can judge the voice for themselves when Primetime hits theaters September 25.
