Robert De Niro is set to make his television debut with the highly anticipated Netflix limited series titled Zero Day, which will be released on February 20, 2025. This political thriller promises to captivate audiences as it plunges viewers deep within the chaos following a massive cyberattack on the nation.
De Niro stars as George Mullen, a former president of the United States tasked with heading the Zero Day Commission, assembled to investigate the catastrophic attack which has sparked widespread chaos, leaving thousands dead. The narrative intricately weaves together themes of misinformation and the personal ambitions of power brokers from the realms of technology, Wall Street, and government. This amalgamation serves to highlight the turbulent environment where disinformation strives to thrive alongside societal challenges.
According to Eric Newman, the writer and executive producer known for his work on Narcos, Zero Day showcases the aftermath of this devastating cyberattack, which has left the nation on the brink of collapse. “It’s about the fallout from this horrific event,” Newman remarked to Netflix’s Tudum. “We explore what happens to the people caught up in it and the truth they are searching for.”
Noah Oppenheim, another executive producer, elaborated on the personal cost involved for those embroiled in such enormous challenges, shedding light on their sacrifices. Oppenheim stated, “We want to understand what it means for them personally and what impact it has on their families.”
The character of Mullen is described as “a hugely popular but complicated former U.S. president,” who, after stepping back from public life, is drawn back to lead the inquiry following the attack. The series delves deep not just as a political drama, but also explores the personal strife Mullen faces as he confronts his own dark secrets, all the more compounded as he risks everything he holds dear.
Joining De Niro on screen is Angela Bassett, who portrays President Evelyn Mitchell, characterized as “a brilliant and perceptive political tactician.” Bassett’s character recruits Mullen to take on this unprecedented and high-stakes assignment, indicating the relationship dynamics and challenges of leadership amid crisis.
The cast also includes Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, Matthew Modine, Joan Allen, Connie Britton, Bill Camp, Gaby Hoffmann, and Clark Gregg, creating a rich ensemble against the backdrop of thriller dynamics and investigative narratives.
Intriguingly, Zero Day raises pertinent questions about the nature of the attack itself. Is the real threat posed by foreign adversaries, or does it originate from within the nation? This key mystery adds layers to the story and ensures audiences will remain on the edge of their seats as they follow the unraveling plot and the search for truth.
This series marks De Niro’s first major television role, extending his illustrious career from film to the small screen, after previously earning acclaim with his Emmy-nominated performance in HBO’s The Wizard of Lies. Although entering television relatively late at age 81, De Niro’s impact continues to resonate across mediums. His involvement doesn’t end with acting; he also takes on the role of executive producer for Zero Day, collaborating closely with the creative team.
Schmidt, alongside Eric Newman and Noah Oppenheim, has penned the plot, which explores the depths of crisis and the ramifications when technology goes awry. The series will be helmed by Lesli Linka Glatter, who serves as the executive producer and director for all six riveting episodes.
With impending release, Netflix previously teased the audience with the official trailer highlighting the gripping narrative surrounding conspiracy and national security threats. The show’s significant emphasis on the societal fallout from the cyberattack makes Zero Day not just timely but relevant, as it mirrors real-world concerns about technology, security, and personal confidentiality.
Expecting to leave viewers questioning the reliability of information, Zero Day seems primed to resonate with contemporary society, urging viewers to ponder deeply on the nature of truth and deception amid chaos. De Niro's masterful portrayal, coupled with the show's significant themes, is sure to captivate audiences as this political thriller makes its way onto screens.
