He’s not playing
Cats can turn out to be only a slight bit over the top about practically anything in the house they consider as theirs. Which are generally each and everything and a household item.
This crotchety looking guy has gotten himself a decent right on the money for the TV couch, and he appreciates having the TV remote in that general area close to him (despite the fact that he’s not watching anything). So when his owner ways to take it, his quiet gaze is an open test. We would decide to gradually step back at this stage…