Robert De Niro Takes Center Stage in Netflix’s Zero Day
Robert De Niro has transitioned from the silver screen to the small screen, taking on an exciting role in the upcoming Netflix series Zero Day. This critically acclaimed Academy Award-winning actor portrays George Mullen, a former U.S. president who is summoned back into action to lead a crucial investigation into a catastrophic cyber attack that has left the nation paralyzed and resulted in countless fatalities.
The series is the brainchild of creators Eric Newman and Noah Oppenheim, with Pulitzer Prize winner Michael S. Schmidt serving as executive producer and writer. Newman expressed his admiration for De Niro, stating, “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.”
The thrilling cast also features renowned actors such as Angela Bassett, Matthew Modine, and Dan Stevens, adding depth and intrigue to the series. Oppenheim elaborated on the show’s themes, saying, “The narrative explores the personal costs of power for those facing monumental challenges — examining the impact on their lives and their families.”
From left to right, the cast includes 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.
What is Zero Day About?
Zero Day raises profound questions about truth in a world beset by crises, conspiracy theories, and deception. It challenges viewers to consider whether the forces at play are of our own design or if they exist solely in our imagination. De Niro’s character, George Mullen, is a highly respected former president who is called out of retirement to chair the Zero Day Commission following a devastating global cyber attack that wreaks havoc and results in thousands of deaths.
The attack, termed “Zero Day,” causes a brief but catastrophic failure of essential services — electricity, internet connectivity, and GPS systems — leading to train collisions and the malfunctioning of life support systems. In the chaos that follows, misinformation spreads like wildfire, and the ambitions of influential players in technology, finance, and government become entangled. Mullen’s mission is to uncover the truth behind the attack and identify those responsible, but this journey forces him to confront his own hidden truths and dark past.
Who is in the Zero Day Cast?
Robert De Niro
In a remarkable performance, Robert De Niro embodies George Mullen, a complex and revered former president. Mullen is called out of retirement to lead the Zero Day Commission, which consists of a team of experts investigating the cyber attack. De Niro shared his perspective on his character, emphasizing Mullen’s commitment to honesty: “The essence of my character is to be straightforward. Don’t evade the issues. No games. It’s crucial that the public is informed about the reality of the situation.”
With a career spanning over six decades, De Niro is celebrated for his iconic roles, including Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II and Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull. His extensive filmography includes classics such as Taxi Driver, The Deer Hunter, Awakenings, Cape Fear, Silver Linings Playbook, and Killers of the Flower Moon.
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett takes on the role of Evelyn Mitchell, the current U.S. president, who is a brilliant political strategist that recruits Mullen for an unprecedented task in American history. The 66-year-old actress gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the 1993 film What’s Love Got To Do With It?, earning a Golden Globe award. Bassett’s impressive filmography includes Boyz in the Hood, Malcolm X, Notorious, and her portrayal of Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Black Panther, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. She has also starred as LAPD sergeant Athena Grant in the hit television series 9-1-1 since 2018.
Jesse Plemons
Jesse Plemons plays Roger Carlson, a former aide to Mullen and a trusted fixer aiming to reclaim his position on the national stage. Plemons has built a solid reputation through his performances in acclaimed television series such as Breaking Bad and Fargo, both of which have earned him awards. His film credits include Bridge of Spies, The Irishman, The Power of the Dog, and Killers of the Flower Moon.
Lizzy Caplan
Lizzy Caplan portrays Alexandra Mullen, a young congressional representative from New York striving to carve her own path away from her father’s political legacy. Caplan, 42, first gained recognition as Janis Ian in the 2004 film Mean Girls and has starred in other films such as Cloverfield, Bachelorette, The Interview, and Cobweb. On television, she is known for her roles as Casey Klein in Party Down and Virginia E. Johnson in Masters of Sex.
The remaining cast of Zero Day includes:
- Connie Britton as Valerie Whitesell (The White Lotus, Friday Night Lights)
- Joan Allen as Sheila Mullen (The Bourne Ultimatum, The Contender)
- Matthew Modine as Richard Dreyer (Stranger Things, Oppenheimer)
- Bill Camp as Jeremy Lasch (The Queen’s Gambit, 12 Years a Slave)
- Dan Stevens as Evan Green (Downton Abbey, Beauty and the Beast)
- McKinley Belcher III as Carl Otieno (Ozark, The Passage)
- Gaby Hoffman as Monica Kidder (Transparent, Girls)
- Clark Gregg as Robert Lyndon (The Avengers, Painkiller)
- Mark Ivanir as Natan (Babylon Berlin, Mayor of Kingstown)
Release Date and Episode Count for Zero Day
Zero Day is set to premiere on Netflix on Thursday, February 20, featuring a limited series consisting of six gripping episodes. The show will be exclusively available on Netflix, so viewers will need a subscription to the streaming service, starting from just £5.99 per month.
