2025 won’t gave us a female president in real life but fictionally, Viola Davis and Angela Bassett have us covered.
Viola Davis and Angela Bassett are stepping into the Oval Office, bringing their commanding presence to two separate, high stakes projects that put them in the shoes of Madam President. These powerhouse actors are redefining presidential portrayals on screen, each with a unique take on the role.
Angela Bassett Tackles Political Intrigue in ‘Zero Day’
Angela Bassett takes on a very different but equally riveting presidential role in Netflix’s Zero Day. Premiering February 20, 2025, the six-episode series stars Bassett as President Evelyn Mitchell, who must navigate a nation reeling from a catastrophic cyberattack that claims thousands of lives.
Teaming up with Robert De Niro, who plays retired U.S. President George Mullen, the story dives into the aftermath of the attack. Mullen is called back to lead the Zero Day Commission, a task force with sweeping powers to uncover the truth behind the chaos. The series explores the murky intersection of technology, politics, and power in a time of crisis.
“Three thousand, four hundred, two people died on Zero Day,” Mullen declares in the gripping trailer. From plane crashes to train derailments, the devastation forces Mitchell to make tough decisions, granting the commission unprecedented authority. “People believe what they need to believe,” Mitchell remarks. “The truth is the truth, but it’s not always the most important thing.”
Created by Eric Newman (Narcos), Noah Oppenheim (Jackie), and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael S. Schmidt, Zero Day features an ensemble cast that includes Lizzy Caplan, Jesse Plemons, and Connie Britton. Directed by Emmy-winner Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland), the series promises high-stakes drama intertwined with real-world themes.
Viola Davis Commands the Screen in ‘G20’
Mark your calendars for april 10 when Amazon Prime Video debuts its action-packed thriller, G20. Directed by Patricia Riggen, the film follows U.S. President Danielle Sutton (Davis) as she faces unimaginable odds when the G20 summit is overtaken by attackers. Sutton must evade capture, outsmart her enemies, and protect her family, country, and the world’s most powerful leaders.
The ensemble cast includes Anthony Anderson, Marsai Martin, Ramón Rodríguez, Douglas Hodge, Elizabeth Marvel, and Antony Starr. The film is co-produced by Amazon MGM Studios, MRC, Mad Chance Productions, and JuVee Productions, with Davis and Julius Tennon among the producers. Written by Caitlin Parrish, Erica Weiss, Logan Miller, and Noah Miller, G20 is a gripping narrative rooted in the universal drive to protect loved ones.
Streaming in over 240 countries and territories, G20 will be an adrenaline-fueled adventure showcasing Davis in a role that’s equal parts action hero and stateswoman.
Two Presidents, One Screen Legacy
With G20 and Zero Day, Davis and Bassett are delivering bold portrayals of leadership under pressure. These projects not only showcase their immense talent but also reflect the growing appetite for stories that place women—especially Black women—at the center of global narratives. Whether you’re drawn to action thrillers or political intrigue, these performances are not to be missed.