Thursday, July 15, 2021

HBO Gives Series Order to Drama 'The Sympathizer' Starring Robert Downey Jr.

HBO has today given a series order to the original drama series The Sympathizer based on the novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen, with Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. set to co-star.






The espionage thriller and cross-culture satire centers on the struggles of a half-French, half-Vietnamese community spy during the final days of the Vietnam War and his resulting exile in the United States.

Downey will actually appear in multiple supporting roles - including an up-and-coming Orange County congressman, a CIA agent and a Hollywood film director, among others.

Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar are adapting the series, with Chan-wook also set to direct. They will executive produce with Downey, Susan Downey, Amanda Burrell, Niv Fichman and Kim Ly. A24, Team Downey, Rhombus Media, Cinetic Media and Moho Film will produce.

"Adapting Mr. Nguyen's important and masterful work requires a visionary team," said Downey. "With director Park at the helm, I expect this to be a creative producing adventure for Susan, me and Team Downey and a stimulating process for myself in playing these complex supporting roles. A24 and HBO are the perfect combination of partners and co-parents. It's exactly the type of challenge I've been craving, and I believe we will deliver an exceptional viewing experience to our audience."