Director recounts Zyn gift in bid to cast Robert Pattinson in ‘Primetime’
Lance Oppenheim said he enlisted a friend in Canada to send the actor 200 canisters of nicotine pouches while seeking him for the lead role.
Director Lance Oppenheim told Vulture that his effort to recruit Robert Pattinson for Primetime included arranging a delivery of 200 Zyn canisters to the actor’s home. Pattinson had planned to produce the A24 film, rather than take its lead role.
The movie centers on Chris Hansen, known for Dateline’s To Catch a Predator. Screenwriter Ajon Singh reworked the screenplay in an effort to interest Pattinson in starring.
Oppenheim said a U.S. shortage of Zyn nicotine pouches prompted him to turn to a Canadian friend, who sent the canisters to Pattinson. He subsequently sent the actor an updated screenplay, accompanied by a letter using a pun on Hansen’s name and the nicotine brand.
According to Oppenheim, Pattinson ultimately agreed to star. The director likened his acceptance to LeBron’s announcement that he was joining the Heat.
