Robert De Niro Stars in Netflix’s Political Thriller ‘Zero Day’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Netflix has released a sneak peek of its upcoming political thriller “Zero Day,” starring Robert De Niro in his first major TV series role. The limited series, set to premiere on February 20, 2025, follows a former U.S. president investigating a devastating cyberattack while grappling with personal demons.

In the series, De Niro plays George Mullen, a respected former president leading the Zero Day Commission to uncover the perpetrators of a nationwide cyberattack that has killed thousands and plunged the country into chaos. The show explores themes of disinformation, power struggles, and the cost of leadership in a world teetering on the edge of collapse.

“That’s the spine of my character in the show. Don’t dodge anything. Don’t play games. Be honest about what’s going on so that the public knows what’s going on,” De Niro said in a statement.

The ensemble cast includes Lizzy Caplan as Alexandra Mullen, Jesse Plemons as Roger Carlson, Joan Allen as Sheila Mullen, Connie Britton as Valerie Whitesell, and Matthew Modine as Richard Dreyer. The series is created by Noah Oppenheim and Eric Newman, who described the show as a timely exploration of cyber threats and institutional dysfunction.

“Zero Day is 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,” Newman said. Oppenheim added, “The show looks at the cost of power for those who are asked to take on these enormous challenges — what it means for them personally, and what it means for their families.”

The sneak peek reveals a tense scene where De Niro’s character frantically searches a room while someone pounds on the door, setting the tone for the high-stakes drama. The series promises to delve into the tension between reality and perception, particularly in a world rife with conspiracy theories.

With its star-studded cast and timely themes, “Zero Day” is poised to be a gripping addition to Netflix’s lineup of original programming. The series will be available for streaming starting February 20, 2025.