Love him or hate him, Robert De Niro is entering into uncharted territory: episodic tv.
And he’s doing it in a approach solely De Niro can — by enjoying a former U.S. president caught within the chaos of a devastating cyberattack in Netflix’s Zero Day.
Premiering February 20, 2025, the six-episode restricted sequence finds De Niro within the position of George Mullen, a extremely revered however difficult former president.
He’s known as again into motion to guide an investigation after a cyberattack leaves hundreds useless.
As head of the Zero Day Fee, Mullen should unravel a disaster steeped in disinformation, conspiracy, and energy struggles.
However the stakes aren’t simply political; they’re private. Mullen’s relentless seek for solutions forces him to confront his personal demons, risking his household, popularity, and legacy within the course of.
The premise alone feels eerily related. Cybersecurity threats, rampant misinformation, and mistrust in management dominate at this time’s headlines, making Zero Day not simply well timed however pressing.
It is a sequence that doesn’t simply wish to entertain — it’s right here to make you suppose.
What occurs when the programs we depend on fail catastrophically? How can we rebuild belief when each establishment feels compromised?
These questions really feel ripped from actuality, and De Niro’s presence provides a gravitas that ensures this isn’t simply one other political thriller.
And clearly, this isn’t escapist leisure, a minimum of not within the conventional sense.
De Niro’s transfer to tv is an occasion in itself.
Recognized for his iconic roles in The Godfather Half II, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and too many extra to checklist, the Oscar-winning actor has at all times been a dominant drive on the massive display screen.
His determination to headline a streaming sequence speaks volumes about how TV has developed as a medium for critical, high-stakes storytelling.
However this isn’t only a self-importance mission. De Niro can be an govt producer who’s deeply concerned in bringing this story to life.
For followers, it’s an opportunity to see him flex his legendary expertise in a brand new enviornment; for skeptics, it’s a daring experiment that would redefine his profession.
In fact, De Niro isn’t carrying this present alone. The supporting forged is stacked with powerhouse expertise, beginning with Angela Bassett (American Horror Story) as present U.S. President Evelyn Mitchell.
An excellent strategist, Mitchell enlists Mullen for the investigation, understanding his affect and experience are unmatched.
Lizzy Caplan (Get together Down) brings depth to the story as Mullen’s daughter, Alexandra, a congresswoman decided to flee her father’s shadow.
Their father-daughter dynamic is certain so as to add emotional weight to the sequence, particularly because the investigation threatens to reveal buried secrets and techniques.
Joan Allen (The Killing) performs Sheila Mullen, the poised and impressive former first woman whose personal profession aspirations create pressure throughout the household.
Jesse Plemons (The Irishman) brings his signature mixture of attraction and unease to Roger Carlson, Mullen’s former aide who’s wanting to reclaim his place on the nationwide stage.
After which there’s Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) as Evan Inexperienced, a magnetic but divisive political commentator who turns into Mullen’s most vocal critic.
With a forged this robust, the sequence guarantees drama on each stage — private, political, and world.
The inventive workforce behind Zero Day is equally spectacular. Eric Newman (Narcos), Noah Oppenheim (Jackie), and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael S. Schmidt crafted the sequence, making certain it’s as sensible as it’s thrilling.
Schmidt’s investigative background provides a layer of authenticity, whereas Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland) directs all six episodes, guaranteeing a cultured, high-stakes expertise.
This isn’t only a present with huge names; it’s a rigorously crafted story designed to maintain audiences on the sting of their seats.
At its core, Zero Day is about greater than only a cyberattack. It’s a meditation on energy, fact, and the price of management.
The sequence explores how disinformation and conspiracy theories can destabilize a nation, nevertheless it additionally asks deeper questions:
How a lot of the chaos we face is self-inflicted? What occurs when these in energy are pressured to confront the results of their actions?
After watching the sequence, these questions will certainly linger in your thoughts, making the sequence as thought-provoking as it’s entertaining.
De Niro’s real-life political outspokenness provides one other layer of intrigue to his portrayal of George Mullen.
Recognized for his fiery critiques of recent politics, De Niro sinks his enamel into this position, bringing a pointy, nearly private depth that may make it unimaginable to look away.
Hopefully, this received’t be one other misstep like The Irishman. Oh, I do know a few of you really liked it, however let’s be actual — it was a complete fabrication and never precisely Scorsese’s or De Niro’s best hour — err, three hours.
And love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Robert De Niro’s new enterprise will get individuals speaking.
In at this time’s polarized local weather, Zero Day appears like the right platform for the type of nuanced, impactful storytelling that De Niro excels at.
So, mark your calendars for February 20. Whether or not you’re right here for the high-stakes drama, the powerhouse forged, or to see how De Niro makes his mark on episodic TV, Zero Day guarantees to ship.
With its exploration of energy, fact, and accountability, it’s shaping as much as be one of many 12 months’s most talked-about reveals.
What about you? Are you able to see De Niro’s tackle tv?
Does Zero Day’s premise hook you, or do you have got reservations about big-screen legends crossing into streaming (e.g., Nicole Kidman)?
Tell us your ideas within the feedback.