Despite having conquered the big screen with films such as Taxi Driver, American Sniper, Once Upon a Time in America, and Heat: The Heat of the Night, the 81-year-old actor faced a new professional challenge: starring in his first television series. Zero Day, a political thriller for Netflix, led De Niro to explore an unfamiliar format, with challenges that, according to his own words, made him feel like he was swimming in uncertain waters.

In the series, De Niro plays George Mullen, a former President of the United States who is called upon to lead an investigative commission after a devastating cyberattack plunges the country into chaos. The character, in addition to dealing with the national crisis, must face his own ghosts and family conflicts. The complexity of this role and the intensity of the production led the actor to compare his experience to a titanic effort: “It’s like making three movies in a row,” he commented in an interview with Variety.

Robert De Niro and the Challenge of Starring in His First Series: “It’s Like Making Three Movies in a Row”
The demands of the shoot were such that De Niro admitted that, on several occasions, he felt he was pushing the limits of his abilities. “I was in most of the production. So, I had to be involved in everything, even something as simple as knowing my lines,” explained the actor from The Intern and The Irishman. To illustrate his exhaustion, he used a striking metaphor: “I compare it to being in the English Channel, swimming from France to England. If I look back, I can’t see France; if I look ahead, I can’t see England. I had to keep swimming, or I’d drown.”

Despite the titanic effort it took to film Zero Day, the result has been a resounding success. The miniseries quickly became one of the most-watched shows on Netflix, ranking in the Top 10 in more than 75 countries. The plot, filled with intrigues, conspiracies, and political secrets, has captivated both the audience and critics. The series’ cast has also been a strong point, with names like Angela Bassett as the President of the United States, Lizzy Caplan as Alexandra, Mullen’s daughter, and Jesse Plemons portraying an enigmatic politician.

The impact of Zero Day lies in its ability to reflect an unsettling reality. The series addresses issues such as misinformation, media manipulation, and the struggle for power in an increasingly polarized world. In this context, De Niro’s character becomes a symbol of resistance and sacrifice, trying to find answers in a scenario where truth is elusive and dangerous. His performance has been praised for its depth and nuance, proving that his talent remains intact despite the format change.

The challenge of starring in a series has been a true test for De Niro, but also an opportunity to reinvent himself. While cinema has been his home for decades, Zero Day has proven that the actor can adapt to the new demands of entertainment without losing his essence. The intensity of the production, his commitment to his character, and his dedication to the project have reaffirmed his place as one of Hollywood’s most influential figures.