Watch: Robert De Niro Dives into TV with Netflix’s Conspiracy Thriller ‘Zero Day’
Today, Netflix dropped the highly anticipated teaser for Zero Day, marking Robert De Niro’s first foray into television as a series lead. Set to premiere on February 20, 2025, the six-part limited series delves into a chilling conspiracy thriller, with De Niro taking on the role of former U.S. President George Mullen. Alongside a stellar cast that includes Angela Bassett, Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, Joan Allen, Connie Britton, Dan Stevens, and more, De Niro promises to bring his trademark gravitas to this timely exploration of truth and power.
The teaser offers a pulse-pounding glimpse into a nation on the brink of collapse following a devastating cyberattack that claims thousands of lives. De Niro’s President Mullen is tasked with leading the Zero Day Commission to uncover the truth behind the attack, all while grappling with his own hidden demons.
A Powerhouse Cast Backs De Niro’s TV Debut
It’s not just De Niro’s first lead role in a television series that’s turning heads; Zero Day boasts an ensemble of A-list talent.
- Angela Bassett plays current U.S. President Evelyn Mitchell, a sharp and strategic leader who enlists Mullen to investigate the crisis.
- Jesse Plemons takes on the role of Roger Carlson, Mullen’s ambitious former aide turned trusted fixer.
- Lizzy Caplan portrays Alexandra Mullen, the congresswoman daughter of George Mullen, determined to escape her father’s shadow.
- Joan Allen steps into the role of Sheila Mullen, the poised former First Lady balancing her own career aspirations with family loyalty.
- Connie Britton, Matthew Modine, Dan Stevens, and others round out the cast, bringing depth to the political, media, and corporate players intertwined in the gripping narrative.
What Is Zero Day Really About?
At its core, Zero Day examines the fallout of a catastrophic cyberattack that plunges America into chaos. As President Mullen leads the investigation, he must navigate a labyrinth of disinformation, political power struggles, and personal betrayal.
The series, co-created by Eric Newman (Narcos, The Watcher) and Noah Oppenheim (Jackie, The Maze Runner), tackles questions that feel eerily relevant in today’s world. How do we discern truth in an age dominated by misinformation? How much of the chaos we face is orchestrated by unseen forces—and how much is of our own making?
“The show also looks at the cost of power,” Oppenheim explained, “what it means for those who take on these enormous challenges personally and professionally.”
For De Niro, the role of Mullen resonates deeply. “Mullen’s ethos is to just tell it straight,” De Niro shared. “That’s the spine of my character in the show. Don’t dodge anything. Don’t play games.”
A Timely Tale of Power, Truth, and Betrayal
Zero Day is more than just a thriller—it’s a reflection of our times. The series dives headfirst into the dangers of unchecked ambition, the fragility of truth, and the human cost of holding power.
In the teaser, Bassett’s President Mitchell delivers a chilling line to De Niro’s Mullen: “People will believe what they need to believe.” It’s a sentiment that captures the essence of Zero Day’s exploration of truth in a fractured world.
Behind the Scenes: A High-Stakes Collaboration
Not only does De Niro star in Zero Day, but he’s also a producer, playing a pivotal role in shaping the series. Co-creator Eric Newman praised De Niro’s involvement, saying, “You can count on one hand the actors in history who bring this level of gravitas, pedigree, and talent to their work.”
The series is directed by Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland) and features contributions from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael S. Schmidt as a writer and executive producer. With its powerhouse creative team, Zero Day promises to deliver a taut, thought-provoking drama.
Mark Your Calendar
Zero Day premieres on Netflix on February 20, 2025, with six hour-long episodes ready to unravel the mystery of America’s most devastating cyberattack. With a blend of political intrigue, human drama, and a touch of De Niro’s cinematic magic, this series is shaping up to be a must-watch event.
As the tagline for Zero Day suggests, “How do we find truth in a world on the brink?” Get ready to join the investigation.
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