‘The Sympathizer’ Review: Park Chan-Wook, Robert Downey Jr. Are in Inspired Pairing for HBO’s Ambitious Adaptation

Robert Downey Jr. has expressed interest in reprising his role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Which presents a problem, since he died at the end of Avengers: Endgame.

If The Marvel Cinematic Universe wobbled in 2023 because of the poorly received ‘Ant-Man 3’ “The Marvels,” and “Secret Invasion” series, many might argue part of that is the loss of its big stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johannsson in the post “Avengers: Endgame” universe. All three of their characters, Iron Man, Captain America, and Black Widow, respectively, either died or were essentially taken off the battlefield (Captain America came back from his time travel exploits as an old man).

Robert Downey Jr. might be willing to suit up again as Iron Man in another Avengers movie. However, two Marvel directors are not so sure about that.

Following his first foray into television with 2018’s “The Little Drummer Girl,” Korean filmmaker Park Chan-Wook returns to Western television this month with the espionage thriller series “The Sympathizer” on HBO (read our review). And the director is already quickly putting together another project for the small screen, a series adaptation of his 2003 revenge masterpiece “Oldboy.” Variety reports that Chan-Wook is partnering with Lionsgate Television on the adaptation of the English-language series based on his film of the same name.

Park Chan-wook is developing his acclaimed film Oldboy for the first time as an English-language series in partnership with Lionsgate Television. Park, who directed and co-wrote the original film, is set to produce the series alongside producing partner Syd Lim.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter Lionsgate Television is teaming with Park Chan-wook to develop an English-language TV adaptation of Park’s iconic film “Oldboy.” Park directed and co-wrote the original film, which was itself loosely based on the Japanese manga of the same name. He will produce the new series version along with his producing partner, Syd Lim. Executives Courtney Mock and Tara Joshi are overseeing the project for Lionsgate Television.

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains details of the first episode of HBO‘s limited series The Sympathizer, which premiered on April 14.

Robert Downey Jr. has said that preparing for his role in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer was like “picking fly shit out of pepper”.Back in March, Downey Jr.

Rachel Seo “I am a spy, a sleeper, a spook, a man of two faces.” So begins Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Sympathizer,” which, when released in 2015, was hailed for its humorous, biting interrogation of American perspectives on the Vietnam War. Integrating elements of the espionage thriller à lá John le Carré with a heavy sense of irony reminiscent of Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Man,” “The Sympathizer” is told from the viewpoint of an officer in the U.S.-supported South Vietnam army who secretly reports back to communists in North Vietnam.

Jodie Foster has revealed that she shared her concerns for Robert Downey Jr. while directing him in a 1995 film.Speaking to Esquire for its profile of the actor, Foster opened up about her experience directing him in the Thanksgiving comedy Home For The Holidays.Beginning production in 1995, the film overlapped with Downey Jr.’s struggles with addiction and crime, having been arrested in 1994 for possession of heroin, cocaine and a gun.The Silence Of The Lambs star said that she “took him to one side” before saying: “Look, I couldn’t be more grateful for what you’ve given in this film.

Robert Downey Jr. and Sandra Oh are stepping out for the premiere of their new HBO series!

Jodie Foster recalled telling Robert Downey Jr. she feared for his future amid his struggles with addiction in the 1990s. During an interview with Esquire, the 61-year-old actress reflected on directing the 59-year-old actor in the 1995 Thanksgiving comedy-drama "Home for the Holidays." At the time, Downey was battling substance abuse problems that later led to multiple arrests on drug-related charges.

We’re in a weird place culturally in Hollywood. Many in Tinseltown want to combat rampant and increased antisemitism—look at the Jonathan Glazer comments during the Oscars— and yet many still tolerate folks like Mel Gibson, seemingly a notable exception in the industry, perhaps because he was such a beloved figure at one point.

Korean auteur Park Chan-wook (“Old Boy”) is moving along at a nice clip. On the way is his HBO period spy series “The Sympathizer,” which comes out later this month, and potentially next is his long-gestating remake of the dark comedy “The Ax.” And while that’s undoubtedly an abundance of great projects in the works, there are even more on the horizon.

Mel Gibson is forever grateful for his “Air America” co-star Robert Downey Jr. after the Oscar winner defended him following his 2006 arrest in Malibu.

Mel Gibson has thanked Robert Downey Jr. for his support following his past scandal in which he was arrested for anti-Semitism.In a new cover story with Downey Jr.

Mel Gibson is crediting friend Robert Downey Jr. for being “generous and kind” after he was shunned from Hollywood.

Mel Gibson expresses his gratitude to Robert Downey Jr. for having his back after his 2006 arrest and antisemitic remarks.

Zack Sharf Digital News Director Mel Gibson praised his longtime friend and “Air America” co-star Robert Downey Jr. in the latter’s new Esquire magazine cover story. Gibson called Downey “bold and generous and kind” for urging Hollywood to forgive Gibson after his infamous 2006 arrest, which included the “Braveheart” star making comments disparaging Jewish people.

Robert Downey Jr. is sharing his thoughts on the Jimmy Kimmel joke about him at the Oscars and seems unfazed by it.