Robert De Niro as George Mullen in ‘Day Zero’. Photo: Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix © 2024.
Advance:
- The first images of Robert De Niro in ‘Day Zero’ arrive.
- He plays a former president who must investigate a cyberattack.
- Eric Newman and Noah Oppenheim created the show, under the direction of Lesli Linka Glatter.
While film icon Robert De Niro has certainly made guest appearances on his fair share of television series (’30 Rock’, ‘Extras’) and most recently had a larger role in the Argentine miniseries ‘Nada’, it’s more known for producing a variety of programs.
But with ‘Zero Day,’ a new Netflix thriller series, he will step forward to star in his first show in the United States and agree to lead and serve as executive producer of the show.
As head of the Zero-Day Commission, respected former US president George Mullen is charged with finding the perpetrators of a devastating cyberattack that has… Read the plot
Created by Eric Newman (who has produced a host of movies and shows and has worked on series like ‘Griselda’ and ‘Narcos’ for Netflix), Noah Oppenheim (who changed his career in TV news to work on shows and movies) and Pulitzer Prize winner Michael S. Schmidt, follows 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, 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 collaborating with actor legend De Niro:
“As a lifelong fan of American cinema, no actor seems more important to me than Robert De Niro. Having him as a producing partner and star of this show is beyond our wildest dreams. I thank Netflix for their continued faith and support and am thrilled to be working with the incredible creative team of Noah, Lesli and Jonathan. [Glickman] in this timely (and terrifying) series.”
What is the story of ‘Day Zero’?
(Left to right) 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 American president George Mullen (De Niro), who, as head of the Day Zero Commission, is charged with finding the perpetrators of a devastating cyberattack that has caused nationwide chaos and thousands of deaths.
As misinformation proliferates and the personal ambitions of the power brokers in tech, Wall Street, and the government collide, Mullen’s unwavering pursuit of the truth forces him to confront his own dark secrets while risking everything he loves.
Lest you think that he is simply collecting a salary for this case, De Niro was, according to Newman, really involved:
“De Niro very much became our partner in this process: very hands-on, very involved, he read everything at every stage and it has 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 ‘Day Zero’?
Angela Bassett as President Mitchell in ‘Day Zero’. Photo: Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix © 2024.
The rest of the cast is as follows…
Angela Bassett is President Evelyn Mitchell, the current president of the United States. Mitchell is a brilliant and insightful political strategist who hires Mullen to take on a role unprecedented in American history.
Jesse Plemons is Roger Carlson, George Mullen’s former assistant. Roger is now a trusted fixer and brazen conman looking to return to the national stage alongside Mullen.
Lizzy Caplan is Alexandra Mullen, a young New York congresswoman who has worked hard to distance herself from her father’s political legacy and establish herself in her own right.
Lizzy Caplan as Alexandra Mullen in ‘Day Zero’. Photo: Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix © 2024.
Connie Britton is Valerie Whitesell, a smart and cunning 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 federal court candidate. Elegant and always poised, Sheila is a supportive and present wife and mother with strong career ambitions of her own, and she is no fool.
Matthew Modine is Richard Dreyer, a colorful and confident public figure. As speaker of the house, he is a skilled politician.
Bill Camp is CIA Director Jeremy Lasch, the ultimate insider who seems to know everyone’s secret. He can be a dangerous enemy or a valuable friend to Mullen and everyone in his circle.
Dan Stevens as Evan Green in ‘Day Zero’. Photo: Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix © 2024.
Dan Stevens is Evan Green, the charismatic, calculating and divisive host of a popular political television show who becomes a thorn in George Mullen’s side as his strongest critic and main public antagonist.
Gaby Hoffmann is Monica Kidder, a controversial Silicon Valley billionaire whose brilliant vision and technological mastery have 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 agent and Mullen confidant from a time when intelligence (and trust) still mattered.
When will ‘Day Zero’ be on the screens?
Netflix will release the six-hour episodes of the show on February 20 next year.
(Left to right) Robert De Niro as George Mullen and Angela Bassett as President Mitchell in ‘Zero Day.’ Photo: Courtesy of Jojo Whilden/Netflix © 2024.
