Lance Oppenheim’s film starring Robert Pattinson will debut at the 2026 Beyond Fest, alongside notable attendees like M. Night Shyamalan and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Primetime, directed by Lance Oppenheim and starring Robert Pattinson, has been confirmed as the opening film for the 2026 Beyond Fest in Los Angeles. This announcement was made by The Hollywood Reporter on September 9, 2026. The film will mark its West Coast premiere after its initial showing at the Venice Film Festival.
The festival will feature a variety of prominent figures, including filmmakers and actors such as M. Night Shyamalan, Robert Eggers, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Michael Mann. Beyond Fest is recognized as a major event on the Hollywood calendar, particularly known for showcasing genre cinema. The festival is scheduled from September 23 to October 8, 2026.
Primetime boasts a strong ensemble cast that includes Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, and Jeff Zucker, who appears as himself in the film. This compelling lineup is expected to capture attention from both critics and fans, particularly given Pattinson's rising profile in independent cinema.
The 2026 edition of Beyond Fest will feature ten world premieres, including a mix of new material and repertory screenings. Among the highlights are Nobuhiko Obayashi’s Hausu, paired with Conor Oberst’s short Invention 13, and V/H/S/MIXTAPE, a collaborative effort from directors like RZA and Ernest Dickerson. Attendees can also look forward to the return of horror classics such as The Witch and The Lighthouse, alongside newer works like Mike Flanagan's episodes for his Carrie series.
Evrim Ersoy, the head of programming for Beyond Fest, stated that the festival aims to erase the boundaries between different cinematic genres, offering audiences a diverse array of films. “This year's program is a maximalist celebration of cinema in every form,” Ersoy indicated, hinting at the eclectic mix of both major artists and emerging voices being highlighted this year.
Participants at the festival will include a renowned roster, such as Danny DeVito, Al Pacino, and Dolph Lundgren. Their presence reinforces Beyond Fest’s established reputation for attracting both legendary and contemporary figures from the film industry, blending notable retrospectives with innovative new works.
The opening of Primetime marks a significant moment for both Robert Pattinson and the Beyond Fest, highlighting the festival's commitment to showcasing diverse and groundbreaking cinema. Excitement is expected to build as the festival approaches, particularly surrounding the premieres and appearances of high-profile attendees. Audience engagement is likely to be high, both in person and across various media platforms. With showcased films like Primetime gaining traction, Beyond Fest remains a crucial space for cinema enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
For a deeper look into the Beyond Fest 2026 lineup and special presentations, check out our related articles ‘Primetime,’ ‘Victorian Psycho’ and ‘Wicker’ Join Beyond Fest 2026 Lineup and Laika’s 'Wildwood' To Open AFI Fest 2026.
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