It’s the era of the political thrillers — on screen and off. This month, Netflix is inviting us to escape our IRL political thriller and focus on a fantasy. Zero Day, a new six-episode series premiering February 20, explores a political conspiracy kicked off by a global cyberattack. The highly anticipated series is landing with a powerhouse ensemble cast led by Robert De Niro, Angela Bassett, and Jesse Plemons, but the buck doesn’t stop there. A tense ride of twists, turns, and suspense, this high-stakes drama is bound to be your new obsession.
So, let’s deep dive into this call sheet and talk about the cast of the new series. Check the calendars, it’s Zero Day.
Robert De Niro as former President George Mullen
The king of Hollywood himself, Robert De Niro, steps into the role of George Mullen, a former President leading the response and investigation into a massive and deadly cyberattack, dubbed “Zero Day.” He becomes the key figure at the forefront of this event, which in cases like this, is not always a good thing.
A legendary actor known for his collaborations with director Martin Scorsese, De Niro's career spans over five decades. He's starred in iconic films like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Godfather: Part II, and The Irishman, earning two Academy Awards for Best Actor.
Angela Bassett as President Evelyn Mitchell
Angela Bassett steps into the role of President Evelyn Mitchell, recruiting Mullen to lead a Congressionally authorized commission created to hunt down anyone involved in the attack, a commission whose actions are described by some as, “the greatest affront to civil liberties ever attempted.”
Known for her powerful performances in both television and film, Bassett's career includes standout roles in What's Love Got to Do with It (for which she earned an Oscar nomination), How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Black Panther, and American Horror Story.
Lizzy Caplan as Alexandra Mullen
Lizzy Caplan takes on the role of Alexandra Mullen, George’s daughter, who plays a pivotal role in the response to the cyberattack. Caplan gained fame for her role in Mean Girls and later starred in the critically acclaimed series Masters of Sex. She’s also appeared in Now You See Me 2, The Disaster Artist, and Castle Rock.
Jesse Plemons as Roger Carlson
Jesse Plemons, one of Hollywood’s most compelling actors, plays Roger Carlson, a key player in the investigation. Not much is known about his exact role in the series, so there’s only one way to find out. Plemons is known for Breaking Bad, Friday Night Lights, The Master, Game Night, and The Irishman. His performances have earned him multiple nominations for prestigious awards.
Joan Allen as Sheila Mullen
Joan Allen plays Sheila Mullen, George’s wife, whose emotions and loyalty will be tested as the conspiracy deepens. A versatile actress, Allen is known for her roles in The Contender, The Bourne Identity series, and Nixon. She has received multiple Oscar and Golden Globe nominations throughout her career.
Connie Britton as Valerie Whitesell
Connie Britton, beloved for her roles in Friday Night Lights and The White Lotus, portrays Valerie Whitesell, a character with the brains and boldness to navigate the political landscape.
Bill Camp as Director Lasch
Another key player in the investigation is Director Lasch, played by Bill Camp, who is no stranger to dark, complex roles. A character actor with a knack for intense roles, Camp is known for his work in The Night Of, The Outsider, and Joker. He’s also appeared in films like 12 Years a Slave and The Leftovers series.
