From Ironman to spy: Robert Downey Jr.’s latest role
Production is expected to begin in June 2022
From Ironman to spy, Robert Downey Jr. is ready to turn in his superhero suit for a different type of role – and for TV. Deadline announced last summer that HBO had ordered an adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Sympathizer, and Downey is set to appear.
The novel is set during the final days of the Vietnam war and is an espionage thriller satire that follows a mixed French-Vietnamese communist spy. The lead role to play opposite the “Avengers” star has yet to be filled. Producers are on a worldwide search to cast the mostly Vietnamese crew.
“Oldboy” director Park Chan-wook is set to direct the series and work alongside Don McKellar as co-showrunner. Executive producers include Downey, his wife Susan, Park and McKellar, and Amanda Burrell for Team Downey. Niv Fichman and Kim Ly will also executive produce through Rhombus Media.
While this is not the actor’s first foray into television, it is the first time Downey has taken a role since suiting up as Tony Stark in the Marvel universe. Sources say what made him accept was the chance to showcase his range. In this role, he will play multiple characters, including a congressman, CIA agent, and a film director.
This is the most recent collaboration between A24 and HBO, including the Emmy-winning “Euphoria,” which stars Jacob Elordi and Zendaya.
