Celebrities, particularly Jesse Plemons, have unique insights into their work, and during a recent interview, Plemons addressed the deliberate vagueness surrounding the political affiliations of characters in the Netflix series Zero Day. Co-starring with legends like Robert De Niro and Connie Britton, Plemons portrays Roger Carlson, a close aide to former President George Mullen, played by De Niro. However, neither Mullen nor the current president, Evelyn Mitchell, portrayed by Angela Bassett, clearly aligns with the Republican or Democratic party.
In a conversation with The Times of London, Plemons elaborated on this decision, stating, “When you do get into the specifics of a political party, it gives you an out immediately as a viewer to either say ‘I’m for this person’ or ‘I’m against them.’ Something disengages as you’re watching. We don’t really need any more of that.” This thoughtful approach aims to engage viewers more deeply, encouraging them to focus on character development rather than political biases.
Plemons reflected on his role and emphasized his intention to remain impartial, saying, “One of the gifts of being an actor is that, whether or not you’re playing a character whom you agree with, you’re trying to find out why they think that way.” His insights reveal the complexities actors navigate while embodying their roles, making them relatable despite their political ambiguity.
In preparation for his role, Plemons sought inspiration not from a specific political aide but rather from a character type he described as akin to a talent agent, adding that Carlson’s “whole purpose is to protect.” This perspective adds layers to his portrayal, enriching the narrative landscape of Zero Day.
As Zero Day unfolds, viewers may recognize how these ambiguous political characters reflect today’s increasingly polarized climate. By intentionally sidestepping explicit party affiliations, Plemons and the creative team encourage audiences to reflect on broader themes. The approach may not just challenge viewers’ expectations; it could also spark essential discussions about politics and personal beliefs in a world that often demands clear divisions.
