‘Zero Day’: Everything We Know About Robert De Niro’s First TV Series
Robert De Niro stars in his first TV series, Zero Day, a political drama about a former president helping the current president deal with a cyberattack. The show features an ensemble cast and premieres on Netflix on February 20, 2025.
Robert De Niro stars in his first TV series, Zero Day, a political drama centered on George Mullen, a former American president (played by De Niro) who helps the current president, portrayed by Angela Bassett, handle a devastating cyberattack. The series features an impressive ensemble cast, including Lizzy Caplan, Jesse Plemons, Joan Allen, Connie Britton, and Matthew Modine, with guest appearances by Bill Camp, Dan Stevens, Gaby Hoffmann, Clark Gregg, and McKinley Belcher III. Premiering on Netflix on February 20, 2025, Zero Day promises to be an intense exploration of power, disinformation, and the personal ambitions of technology and political elites.
I’m personally thrilled to see Robert De Niro making the jump to the small screen. Like many, my first memory of De Niro was in Meet the Parents, where he played the hilariously intense father figure. Of course, De Niro's legendary performances in films like Goodfellas, The Irishman, and The Godfather Part II have cemented his place as a film icon, but it’s exciting to finally see him in a television role. His choice to take on Zero Day speaks to the quality of the project.
The premise of Zero Day alone suggests high stakes and relentless drama. According to the official synopsis, “As disinformation runs rampant and the personal ambition of power brokers in technology, Wall Street, and government collide, Mullen’s unwavering search for the truth forces him to confront his own dark secrets while risking all he holds dear.” This suggests a complex, multi-layered narrative that isn't afraid to dig into the dark underbelly of power dynamics. The stakes are high as Mullen is faced not only with external threats but also with internal battles, which makes this series a fascinating dive into the human psyche and the burden of leadership.
Besides his lead role, De Niro also serves as a producer on the series, showing his investment in the project. Director Eric Newman, known for Griselda, has praised De Niro's hands-on approach: “[De Niro] very much became our partner in this process,” Newman told Netflix Tudum. “Very hands-on, very involved, read everything at every stage, and it’s been an incredible honor and privilege.” Newman’s comments highlight how De Niro's contributions went beyond acting—his involvement in the creative aspects of the production ensured that the vision for Zero Day was brought to life with authenticity and dedication. This level of involvement from De Niro suggests a commitment to quality that should excite any fan of his work.
The ensemble cast includes some of Hollywood's brightest stars, further adding to the anticipation around Zero Day. Lizzy Caplan, Jesse Plemons, Joan Allen, Connie Britton, and Matthew Modine are among the main cast, while notable actors such as Bill Camp, Dan Stevens, Gaby Hoffmann, Clark Gregg, and McKinley Belcher III will make guest appearances throughout the series. This remarkable lineup promises an array of compelling performances that will help bring the intricate story of Zero Day to life. The synergy among these actors is likely to create powerful on-screen dynamics, enhancing the series’ exploration of themes like power, truth, and the impact of disinformation.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Zero Day is the focus on disinformation, power, and governance in the digital age. The modern political landscape is ripe for such exploration, and the idea of a former president grappling with the consequences of a cyberattack is both timely and compelling. The collision between personal ambition and public duty is a theme that resonates deeply in today's world, where the influence of technology on politics has become increasingly evident. Mullen's character, portrayed by De Niro, is set to navigate a maze of deceit, hidden agendas, and powerful adversaries—both in the political arena and within himself. This internal and external conflict is what makes the storyline so captivating.
Bringing together talents like De Niro and Bassett, along with an experienced supporting cast and a timely storyline, Zero Day could be an early contender for one of 2025’s most buzzed-about series. Angela Bassett’s role as the current president, with her commanding on-screen presence, adds an extra layer of gravitas to the series. The dynamic between Bassett and De Niro is sure to be one of the show's highlights, as two powerhouse actors share the screen in what looks to be an intense and riveting drama. Bassett’s character, tasked with handling the crisis while leaning on Mullen’s expertise, should provide a compelling contrast to De Niro’s portrayal of the former president who has his own secrets to contend with.
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The stakes are high in this world where disinformation and technology shape the very fabric of power and governance, and it will be interesting to see De Niro, at age eighty-one, breathe life into a role that requires both gravitas and vulnerability. Watching De Niro embody a former president, a man once at the pinnacle of power but now grappling with past decisions and new threats, will likely be one of the most compelling elements of Zero Day. His ability to portray the nuances of a leader dealing with both external threats and personal regrets will be key to the show's success.
Director Eric Newman’s involvement, alongside De Niro’s producing role, suggests a level of attention to detail and narrative depth that fans of political thrillers will appreciate. Newman, who has previously worked on intense, character-driven dramas, brings his experience to the series, promising a show that doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of power. The tension between technological advancement and human frailty is a central theme, and Zero Day aims to shine a light on the consequences of unchecked ambition and the human cost of maintaining power in a digital age.
The ensemble cast, which includes actors like Lizzy Caplan and Jesse Plemons, promises dynamic and diverse performances that will help ground the show's intricate plotlines. Caplan, known for her ability to portray complex and layered characters, is expected to add significant depth to the story, while Jesse Plemons’ subtle, nuanced acting style is likely to provide a strong counterbalance to De Niro’s commanding presence. Joan Allen, Connie Britton, and Matthew Modine are also set to deliver standout performances that will enrich the narrative with their respective characters’ unique perspectives and motivations. Each actor’s involvement adds to the high expectations for Zero Day, creating a rich tapestry of talent that should help elevate the material.
The production design and cinematography are also aspects that could set Zero Day apart. Given the political nature of the story, the settings—from government offices to shadowy boardrooms and high-tech facilities—will play an important role in establishing the tone of the series. The visuals need to reflect the tension, the stakes, and the constant surveillance that comes with navigating power in the digital age. Netflix has a track record of investing in high-quality productions, and with Robert De Niro at the helm, it’s likely that Zero Day will be given the resources it needs to create a visually striking and atmospherically rich show.
Luckily, we won’t have to wait long to see the drama unfold. Zero Day is set to premiere on Netflix on February 20, 2025. Mark your calendars, because this is shaping up to be one of the standout series of the year. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Robert De Niro, intrigued by political thrillers, or simply looking for a compelling new show to dive into, Zero Dayhas all the ingredients of a must-watch. The combination of an all-star cast, a timely and provocative storyline, and the involvement of talented creators makes this series one to keep an eye on.
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