Robert Pattinson's crime drama Primetime earned $19.2 million across 2,863 North American locations during its opening. The film, which depicts the real-life activities of Chris Hansen, represents the biggest A24 debut for any movie starring the actor.

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Beating The Drama with a $19.2 million opening

A $15 million production budget means Primetime has already secured a theatrical profit, according to the report. This performance marks a significant milestone for A24, as it outpaces the $14.4 million debut previously held by Pattinson's The Drama.

Projections suggest that if Primetime maintains its current momentum, it could reach a worldwide total near $180 million. Such a run would allow the film to leapfrog both The Drama and the A24 sensation Everything Everywhere All at Once on the studio's all-time worldwide charts.

A No. 4 finish behind Avengers: Endgame Encore

The domestic box office saw Primetime settle into a No. 4 ranking during its opening weekend. It trailed Avengers: Endgame Encore, which claimed the top spot with $26 million domestically and $86 million worldwide.

Other competitors included the horror hit Resident Evil and The Heart of the Beast, which earned $20 million. As the report notes, the $20 milloin result for The Heart of the Beast is considered a soft performance given its substantial $82 million budget.

From a 2007 Esquire article to the Venice Film Festival

Director Lance Oppenheim and writer Ajon Singh crafted the film based on a 2007 Esquire article by Luke Dittrich. The production gained significant prestige after premiering in competition at the Venice International Film Festival before its September 25 release.

The production's origins were famously unconventional, with Pattinson reportedly joining the project following a "strange late-night pitch involving Four Loko." A new trailer for the film, which showcases a chilling performance by Pattinson, was released shortly after the film captivated audiences at Venice.

The cast features a diverse lineup including Skyler Gisondo, Merritt Wever, Phoebe Bridgers, Anna Faris, and Alex Winter. while the subject matter is described as unsettling, the film earned a B grade from CinemaScore, driven larrgely by younger demographics.

When will Primetime arrive on streaming platforms?

Digital and streaming release dates for Primetime remain unconfirmed as the film continues its theatrical run. While the film's performance underscores A24's continued success with auteur-driven projects, fans are still awaiting news on when the movie will be available for home viewing.