Robert De Niro’s New Political Conspiracy Thriller “Zero Day” Gets a Reality Check from Former Obama Advisor Eric Schultz

The Netflix series, starring Robert De Niro, Angela Bassett, and Lizzy Caplan, benefits from real-world political expertise to ensure authenticity.

Robert De Niro’s latest political conspiracy thriller, Zero Day, is making waves not just for its star-studded cast but also for its commitment to realism. The show, which delves into a deadly global cyber attack, received a dose of real-world expertise from Eric Schultz, a former senior advisor to President Barack Obama. Schultz, who served as the White House’s deputy press secretary, worked as a consultant on the series to ensure the Washington, D.C., scenes were as accurate as possible.

Bringing Authenticity to the Oval Office and Beyond

Schultz spent several weeks on set, meticulously overseeing scenes set in the Oval Office, the outer Oval Office area, the White House briefing room, and Congress. His role was to ensure every detail, from the placement of furniture to the dynamics of press interactions, felt authentic.

“This was an absolute thrill to work on, and not just because the themes resonate at the moment,” Schultz told Page Six. “Everyone involved – the writers, producers, crew, director, actors – were absolutely brilliant and cared deeply about getting the details right. The series is terrifying because of how real it feels.”

One of Schultz’s key contributions was ensuring the White House briefing room scenes captured the chaotic energy of real-life press conferences. “There had to be the right dynamic of reporters screaming and just shouting questions and getting them answered,” he explained.

Small Details, Big Impact

Schultz also advised on smaller but crucial details, such as where certain characters would sit during meetings or how they would enter and exit rooms. “It was small details we could work through in real-time,” he said.

This isn’t Schultz’s first foray into Hollywood. He has previously consulted on hit shows like Succession, Designated Survivor, and the A24 film Civil War. He even made a cameo appearance in Max’s Girls on the Bus.

Hollywood vs. Washington, D.C.: Surprising Similarities

When asked about the differences between Hollywood and Washington, D.C., Schultz noted some unexpected parallels.

“I much prefer fictional dystopias at the moment, but there are a lot of parallels between politics and entertainment,” he said. “Collaboration is essential for success. It’s entirely a team exercise. There are so many pieces involved in getting something right that everyone has to have each other’s back.”

A Star-Studded Cast and a Terrifying Plot

Zero Day boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Angela Bassett, Lizzy Caplan, Matthew Modine, Jesse Plemons, and Connie Britton. The series explores a chilling conspiracy involving a global cyber attack, a theme that feels eerily relevant in today’s digital age.

With Schultz’s expertise grounding the show in reality, Zero Day promises to be a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that blurs the line between fiction and reality.

What do you think?
Are you excited to watch Zero Day and see how Robert De Niro and the cast bring this political conspiracy thriller to life? Do you think Hollywood accurately portrays the world of politics, or do they often miss the mark? Share your thoughts in the comments below!