Robert Downey Jr. Plays Four Different Characters Alongside Potential Breakout Hoa Xuande in First Trailer for HBO's 'The Sympathizer' based on Pulitzer Prize Winning Novel

by Darian Scalamoni

    Photos have been surfacing for months with Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man, Avengers: Infinity War) having a number of different looks. Now, we have explanation why as RDJ is set to play four separate characters in HBO's adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winning-novel, The Sympathizer which released its first teaser today.

    The Sympathizer is spy-based thriller that also features comedic elements about the struggles of a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist secret agent who is exiled to the United States during the conclusion of the Vietnam War. Iconic South Korean creator Park Chan-wook (The Handmaiden, Oldboy) acts as co-showrunner, executive producer and writer of the series, while also directing the first three episodes. Team Downey also partnered with A24 to produce the series.

    Tonally, it seems that the series has very serious workings throughout but is approached with a really great comedic framework. It's great to see Downey Jr. doing something other than Marvel for the first time in a while (sans Doolittle), meanwhile, leading star Hoa Xuande looks to be a breakout star in the preview for the series. Downey Jr. is set to play a congressman from Orange County, a CIA officer, amongst other "multiple roles."

    Check out the first teaser trailer for HBO's The Sympathizer! The series also stars Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Ky Duyen and Sandra Oh. The Sympathizer will release on HBO in 2024.