Robert De Niro To Star In Original Political Thriller Series 'Zero Day' For Netflix

It looks like the star and producer of "The Irishman" has his next project lined up for Netflix. Oscar-winner Robert De Niro will start in a new, original political thriller series for Netflix. Variety reports that the actor will star in the new limited series, "Zero Day," from Eric Newman ("Narcos") and Noah Oppenheim ("The Maze Runner," "Jackie")

Details on the project are reportedly being kept under wraps at the moment, but it's noted that De Niro is expected to portray a former United States President in the series. Newman and Oppenheim are attached to write and executive produce the show, based on a story by Newman and Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael S. Schmidt.

Jonathan Glickman is also producing the show for Panoramic Media, with De Niro attached as an executive producer along with his starring role. Newman and his Grand Electric banner are currently working under an overall deal with the streamer.

As reported by Variety, Netflix does not comment on projects that are in active development. Reps for De Niro and the executive producers did not immediately respond to comment.

"Zero Day" would mark the first regular television role in De Niro's long and illustrious career. The actor is largely known for his film work, earning Oscars for his performances in 1975's "The Godfather Part II" and 1980's "Raging Bull." He has received five other acting nominations throughout his career. Additionally, he shared the nomination for Best Picture for the Netflix original film, "The Irishman," in 2020.

The show looks to have a strong pedigree behind the camera. Besides "Narcos," Newman has also executive produced the Ryan Murph-Ian Brennan Netflix show, "The Watcher," which has also been renewed for a second season. He's also attached to executive produce the upcoming Netflix show, "Griselda." The new series will star Sofia Vergara as the drug empire queen, Griselda Blanco.

Oppenheim currently serves as the president of NBC News and previously executive produced "The Today Show." He also wrote the 2016 biopic, "Jackie," starring Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy. The film earned three Oscar nominations, including Best Actress for Portman's performance as the late former First Lady.

Earlier this year, De Niro appeared in the David O. Russell film, "Amsterdam," opposite Christian Bale, John David Washington, and Margot Robbie. Some of his more recent roles include Murray Franklin in 2019's "Joker" and Frank Sheeran in the acclaimed film, "The Irishman."

While De Niro is best known for his film work, he's done work in television before as well. He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance as Bernie Madoff in the 2017 television biopic, "The Wizard of Lies." This will simply be his first time starring in a series role that wasn't a guest performance or one-off.

Netflix getting De Niro in his first starring series role will be a major feather in the streaming service's cap. Considering the connection with acclaimed shows such as "Narcos," these variables will likely make "Zero Day" a must-see, prestige project.