Robert De Niro, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, is making his highly anticipated television debut in Netflix’s upcoming political thriller, Zero Day. The limited series, created by Eric Newman and Noah Oppenheim, is set to premiere on February 20, 2025.
In Zero Day, Robert De Niro stars as George Mullen, a revered former U.S. president pulled back into the national spotlight to lead the investigation into a catastrophic cyberattack that has plunged the country into chaos. The show explores themes of power, disinformation, and the struggle for truth in an era of rampant conspiracy theories.
The Netflix series follows Mullen as he heads the Zero Day Commission, tasked with identifying those responsible for a cyberattack that has claimed thousands of lives. As technological failures wreak havoc across the nation, Mullen must navigate the ambitions of powerful figures in government, Wall Street, and Silicon Valley—all while grappling with his own personal demons.
“Right now, our actual world is scarier,” Robert De Niro told Netflix, emphasizing the show’s unsettling realism. Newman, one of the show’s creators, described Zero Day as “about the aftermath of a devastating cyberattack that kills thousands of people and threatens to push a nation already on the precipice over the edge.”
Joining Robert De Niro in Netflix‘s Zero Day is an impressive ensemble of talent, including:
Angela Bassett as Evelyn Mitchell, the current U.S. president and a sharp political strategist.
Jesse Plemons as Roger Carlson, Mullen’s former aide and an ambitious political operator.
Lizzy Caplan as Alexandra Mullen, George Mullen’s daughter and a rising congressional representative.
Connie Britton as Valerie Whitesell, Mullen’s former chief of staff who returns to guide him through his new role.
Joan Allen as Sheila Mullen, the former First Lady and a nominee for a federal judgeship.
Matthew Modine as Richard Dreyer, the Speaker of the House and a seasoned political figure.
Bill Camp as CIA Director Jeremy Lasch, a powerful intelligence insider.
Dan Stevens as Evan Green, a controversial TV host who becomes Mullen’s most vocal critic.
Beyond starring in the series, Robert De Niro is also serving as an executive producer, marking another milestone in his storied career. Newman praised Robert De Niro’s deep involvement, stating, “[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.”
With Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland) directing all six episodes, Zero Day promises a tightly woven narrative filled with intrigue, political drama, and high-stakes suspense. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael S. Schmidt also contributes to the writing team, ensuring a story grounded in real-world political tensions.
The official trailer teases a nation in turmoil as widespread technological failures lead to fear and unrest. In the midst of the crisis, Mullen is determined to uncover the truth, even if it means confronting his own dark past.
As Netflix gears up for the premiere, fans of political thrillers and Robert De Niro’s legendary performances can mark their calendars for February 20, 2025. With a stellar cast, a gripping plot, and a lead actor making his first major TV appearance, Zero Day is poised to be one of the most talked-about shows of the year.
