The Sympathizer: Robert Downey Jr’s TV Comeback (Photo Credit – IMDb)
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Robert Downey Jr has come back to television after over two decades. The legendary actor famous for suiting up as Iron Man is gearing up for a big return to TV screens. He’s set to headline an HBO series based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s award-winning novel, The Sympathizer, as per reports.
Downey is getting ready to dive into several supporting characters in The Sympathizer, embodying various antagonists such as “an up-and-coming Orange County congressman, a CIA agent, and a Hollywood film director, among others,” as revealed in a press release. Casting for the main role is currently in full swing.
Deadline broke the news first. This gig signals Robert Downey Jr’s comeback to TV after two decades, making it his first regular small-screen role since his stint on Ally McBeal back in 2002.
Park Chan-wook, famed for directing Oldboy and The Handmaiden, will lead the series, produced by A24. Don McKellar joins as co-showrunner with Park. Downey and his partner Susan will executive produce through their production banner, Team Downey.
In a recent statement, Robert Downey Jr articulated his excitement for the task of adapting Mr. Nguyen’s esteemed work. He emphasized the necessity of a visionary team for this endeavor and expressed confidence in director Park’s leadership. Downey anticipates a creatively rewarding journey for himself, his spouse Susan, and Team Downey as they delve into the intricate process of bringing these characters to life. He lauded the partnership between A24 and HBO, believing it to be perfectly suited for delivering an exceptional viewing experience to the audience. Downey highlighted his eagerness for the challenge ahead, stating that it aligns perfectly with what he has been seeking.
Downey’s most recent appearance on the silver screen was in 2023’s Oppenheimer. He has also occupied himself as a producer on notable projects like HBO’s Perry Mason and Netflix’s Sweet Tooth. As of now, there’s no word on when The Sympathizer will hit the screens.
In 2015, Nguyen’s novel unveils the journey of a Vietcong operative clandestinely residing in the U.S. during the Vietnam War’s twilight. Garnering immense praise, it clinched the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Continuing its legacy, a sequel titled The Committed graced readers’ shelves in March 2021.
