Robert De Niro is set to make his mark on television with the upcoming Netflix political thriller series Zero Day. Notably, this will be De Niro's first significant TV role outside of the 2023 Argentinian series Nada, bringing high expectations from fans and critics alike.
At 81 years old, De Niro plays the role of former US president George Mullen, who is called back to duty amid the chaos following a catastrophic cyber-attack. While attending the London screening of the show, he described the experience of filming as being akin to "doing three features back to back." The series delves deep — highlighting the impact of cyber warfare on society — capturing De Niro's own reflections on the intensity of the production. He related his experience to swimming across the English Channel, stating, "I gotta keep going, otherwise I’m going to sink."
The show was co-created by Eric Newman and Noah Oppenheim, who emphasizes the dire consequences of the cyberattack, stating it could push the nation over the edge. The pilot opens with what is referred to as a "zero-day event," where significant systems such as air traffic control and banking are brought to their knees, leading to chaos across the country. Mullen’s character is summoned by the current president, Evelyn Mitchell, played by Angela Bassett, to head the Zero Day Commission aimed at finding those responsible for the attack.
The ensemble cast of Zero Day features star talents including Jesse Plemons, who plays Roger Carlson, Mullen’s former aide, and Lizzy Caplan as Congresswoman Alexandra Mullen. Other notable performers include Connie Britton, Joan Allen, and Matthew Modine, creating a rich narrative woven with political intrigue and personal stakes. According to Newman, casting De Niro and Bassett was fortuitous, as "nobody said ‘no’ to us, which doesn’t happen very often."
The plot thickens with the introduction of disinformation, as Mullen grapples not only with the responsibility of leadership and finding the attackers but also with the personal ambitions of the power brokers around him. De Niro himself noted the significance of honesty and transparency portrayed through his character, indicating, "Don’t dodge anything, don’t play games, be honest about what’s going on so the public knows."
While De Niro is no stranger to bringing gravity to his roles, his connection to Mullen seems organic, reflecting perhaps his own perspectives on leadership. Critics have noted how Mullen might evoke figures like Jimmy Carter, recognized as empathetic, albeit facing criticism during his presidency. When asked about influences, De Niro admitted he hadn’t based Mullen on anyone specific, though he acknowledged Carter’s positive qualities.
Beyond the character depths, the show’s creators have framed Zero Day within the contemporary political backdrop of the United States, drawing parallels to current events and analyzing how power dynamics shift during crises. "How do we find truth in a world in crisis?" the official Netflix synopsis queries, highlighting themes of conspiracy and the potential role of disinformation.
Filmed primarily during the pandemic, Zero Day embraced New York and Washington D.C. as its backdrop, with De Niro expressing satisfaction with local shooting conditions which allowed him to remain close to his family. The production is marked by both significant logistical demands and creative ambition, emphasizing the extensive list of talented collaborators involved. De Niro’s active involvement as co-producer provided the project with additional depth and authenticity as he worked collaboratively with the creative team throughout its development.
Despite his reservations about playing roles outside film, De Niro recognized the value and potential of streaming series to encapsulate pressing societal issues, sharing, "I thought this might be a good time to see what television was like." The actor’s decision to embrace long-form storytelling reflects the evolution of TV as both art and platform.
Set to premiere on February 20, 2025, all episodes of Zero Day will be available to Netflix subscribers. Given De Niro's storied career and the current socio-political climate, expectations for the series are high, with viewers eager to witness how the narrative tackles urgent contemporary issues through the lens of its fictional characters.
This groundbreaking foray promises not just entertainment but also invites viewers to engage critically with the pressing themes it explores: power, resilience, truth, and the overarching consequence of technology on modern society. De Niro's portrayal of Mullen may resonate on levels beyond the screen, as the character seeks to bridge the gap between traditional values and the shifting political landscapes of today.