How Netflix plunged America into a digital apocalypse.
Robert De Niro has made his first leading role in a TV series — the political thriller Zero Day will be released on Netflix on February 20, 2025. Before that, the 81-year-old actor had only appeared once on television — in an episode of the Argentine series Nada in 2023.
In the political thriller, De Niro plays former US President George Mullen, who is brought back to work after a devastating cyberattack. At the screening in London, the actor admitted that filming six episodes was comparable in terms of workload to three full-length films in a row. He compared the experience to swimming across the English Channel: "You had to constantly move forward, otherwise you'd go under."
The creators of the series, Eric Newman and Noah Oppenheim, built the plot around an attack on the country's key systems. Hackers paralyze air traffic control and banks, which leads to chaos across America. At this point, the current President Evelyn Mitchell, played by Angela Bassett, turns to Mullen for help - he must lead a special commission and find the culprits.
According to Newman, they were lucky with the cast - none of the invited actors refused to participate in the project, which happens extremely rarely. The series starred Jesse Plemons as Mullen's former assistant Roger Carlson and Lizzy Caplan as his daughter, Congresswoman Alexandra Mullen. They were joined by Connie Britton, Joan Allen and Matthew Modine.
The plot centers not only on the fight against a cyberattack, but also on a world engulfed in crisis. Mullen will have to confront influential figures and their personal ambitions, and seek the truth among a stream of disinformation.
Critics compare Mullen to Jimmy Carter - both politicians are known for their humanity and directness, although during their presidencies they were often criticized for not being tough enough. De Niro says he didn't rely on specific political figures when creating the character, but noted that he relates to Carter's sincerity in communicating with people. For Mullen, the main thing is the willingness to speak frankly, even if it can harm his political career.
In "Zero Day," the current political situation in the United States is analyzed through the prism of fictional events. The creators explore how the balance of power changes during a crisis and ask the question: "How do you stay on track in a world engulfed in chaos?"
Filming took place during the pandemic in New York and Washington. The actor appreciated the choice of location - working in his hometown allowed him to spend more time with his family. By the way, he participated in the creation of the project as a co-producer, working closely with the creative team at all stages of production. His involvement helped give the story additional depth and authenticity.
Robert De Niro has made his first leading role in a TV series — the political thriller Zero Day will be released on Netflix on February 20, 2025. Before that, the 81-year-old actor had only appeared once on television — in an episode of the Argentine series Nada in 2023.
In the political thriller, De Niro plays former US President George Mullen, who is brought back to work after a devastating cyberattack. At the screening in London, the actor admitted that filming six episodes was comparable in terms of workload to three full-length films in a row. He compared the experience to swimming across the English Channel: "You had to constantly move forward, otherwise you'd go under."
The creators of the series, Eric Newman and Noah Oppenheim, built the plot around an attack on the country's key systems. Hackers paralyze air traffic control and banks, which leads to chaos across America. At this point, the current President Evelyn Mitchell, played by Angela Bassett, turns to Mullen for help - he must lead a special commission and find the culprits.
According to Newman, they were lucky with the cast - none of the invited actors refused to participate in the project, which happens extremely rarely. The series starred Jesse Plemons as Mullen's former assistant Roger Carlson and Lizzy Caplan as his daughter, Congresswoman Alexandra Mullen. They were joined by Connie Britton, Joan Allen and Matthew Modine.
The plot centers not only on the fight against a cyberattack, but also on a world engulfed in crisis. Mullen will have to confront influential figures and their personal ambitions, and seek the truth among a stream of disinformation.
Critics compare Mullen to Jimmy Carter - both politicians are known for their humanity and directness, although during their presidencies they were often criticized for not being tough enough. De Niro says he didn't rely on specific political figures when creating the character, but noted that he relates to Carter's sincerity in communicating with people. For Mullen, the main thing is the willingness to speak frankly, even if it can harm his political career.
In "Zero Day," the current political situation in the United States is analyzed through the prism of fictional events. The creators explore how the balance of power changes during a crisis and ask the question: "How do you stay on track in a world engulfed in chaos?"
Filming took place during the pandemic in New York and Washington. The actor appreciated the choice of location - working in his hometown allowed him to spend more time with his family. By the way, he participated in the creation of the project as a co-producer, working closely with the creative team at all stages of production. His involvement helped give the story additional depth and authenticity.