Robert De Niro as George Mullen in ‘Zero Day’. Photo: Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix © 2024.
Preview:
- The first pictures of Robert De Niro in ‘Zero Day’ have arrived.
- He’s playing a former President who must investigate a cyber-attack.
- Eric Newman and Noah Oppenheim created the show, with Lesli Linka Glatter directing.
While movie icon Robert De Niro has certainly guested on his fair share of TV series (‘30 Rock,’ ‘Extras’) and more recently had a bigger role in Argentinian miniseries ‘Nada,’ he’s better known for producing a variety of shows.
But with ‘Zero Day,’ a new Netflix thriller series, he’s stepping up to star in his first Stateside show, agreeing to both lead and serve as an executive producer on the show.
As head of the Zero Day Commission, respected former U.S. President George Mullen is charged with finding the perpetrators of a devastating cyber attack that has… Read the Plot
Created by Eric Newman (who has produced a metric ton of movies and shows and worked on the likes of ‘Griselda’ and the ‘Narcos’ series for Netflix), Noah Oppenheim (who swapped a career in TV news to work on shows and movies) and Pulitzer Prize winner Michael S. Schmidt, it tracks the aftermath of a devastating attack on the United States, and the man leading the investigation into what was really behind it.
Lesli Linka Glatter, a veteran of series such as ‘Homeland,’ ‘Mad Men’ and ‘True Blood’ directed all six episodes.
Here’s what Newman told Netflix’s Tudum sight about the collaboration with the acting legend that is De Niro:
“As a lifelong fan of American cinema, no actor looms larger for me than Robert De Niro. To have him as a producing partner and star in this show is beyond our wildest dreams. I’m grateful to Netflix for their continued faith and support and thrilled to be in business with the amazing creative team of Noah, Lesli, and Jonathan [Glickman] on this timely (and terrifying) series.”
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What’s the story of ‘Zero Day’?
(L to R) McKinley Belcher III as Carl Otieno, Mozhan Navabi as Melissa Kornblau, Robert De Niro as George Mullen, Jesse Plemons as Roger Carlson and Connie Britton as Valerie Whitesell in ‘Zero Day’. Photo: Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix © 2024.
The new series follows respected former U.S. President George Mullen (De Niro), who, as head of the Zero Day Commission, is charged with finding the perpetrators of a devastating cyber-attack that has caused chaos around the country and thousands of fatalities.
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.
Lest you think he’s just picking up a paycheck on this one, De Niro was, according to Newman, truly involved:
“De Niro very much became our partner in this process — very hands-on, very involved, read everything at every stage, and it’s been an incredible honor and privilege. You can count on one hand the actors and actresses in history who bring this level of gravitas, pedigree, and talent to their work.”
Who else appears in ‘Zero Day’?
Angela Bassett as President Mitchell in ‘Zero Day’. Photo: Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix © 2024.
The rest of the cast are as follows…
Angela Bassett is President Evelyn Mitchell, the current president of the United States. Mitchell is a brilliant and perceptive political tactician who hires Mullen to take on an unprecedented role in American history.
Jesse Plemons is Roger Carlson, George Mullen’s former aide. Roger is now a trusted fixer and an unabashed hustler who’s seeking a return to the national stage alongside Mullen.
Lizzy Caplan is Alexandra Mullen, a young congresswoman from New York who’s worked hard to distance herself from her father’s political legacy and establish herself in her own right.
Lizzy Caplan as Alexandra Mullen in ‘Zero Day’. Photo: Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix © 2024.
Connie Britton is Valerie Whitesell, a savvy, intelligent political operative and Mullen’s former chief of staff who returns to public life to oversee Mullen’s new role back in the spotlight.
Joan Allen is Sheila Mullen, former first lady and nominee to the federal bench. Elegant and always poised, Sheila is a supportive and present wife and mother with strong professional ambitions of her own — and she’s nobody’s fool.
Matthew Modine is Richard Dreyer, a confident, colorful public figure. As the speaker of the house, he’s an adept politician.
Bill Camp is CIA Director Jeremy Lasch, the ultimate insider who seems to know everyone’s secret. He can either be a dangerous enemy or a valuable friend to Mullen and everyone in his circle.
Dan Stevens as Evan Green in ‘Zero Day’. Photo: Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix © 2024.
Dan Stevens is Evan Green, the charismatic, calculating, and divisive host of a wildly popular political TV show who becomes a thorn in George Mullen’s side as his loudest critic and chief public antagonist.
Gaby Hoffmann is Monica Kidder, a controversial Silicon Valley billionaire whose brilliant vision and technological domination has the power to help or hinder Mullen’s investigation.
Clark Gregg is Robert Lyndon, a corporate raider, provocateur, and billionaire who has mastered the dark arts of political manipulation.
Mark Ivanir is Natan, an intelligence operative and Mullen confidant from an era when intelligence — and trust — still mattered.
When will ‘Zero Day’ be on screens?
Netflix will launch all six hour-long episodes of the show on February 20th next year.
(L to R) Robert De Niro as George Mullen and Angela Bassett as President Mitchell in ‘Zero Day’. Photo: Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix © 2024.