It has been quite some time since we've seen Robert Downey Jr. as anything (or anyone for that matter), than Iron Man. Sure, he's had a few scattered roles in-between; but for the most part his commitment to the Marvel Universe was unmatched. After officially hanging up his Iron Man suit (don't worry, there are no spoilers here); we were left wondering where he would go next. Today, we finally got our answer, with the news that RDJ is joining the cast of the highly-anticipated series adaptation of The Sympathizer.

If the title sounds familiar but you can't quite place it; it's because it happens to Viet Thanh Nguyen’s best-selling debut espionage thriller. Released in 2015, The Sympathizer won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and like all good books is getting its TV series moment.

The tale follows an unnamed, half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War and his resulting exile in the United States.

Although Downey Jr. will not be leading the cast, he will be producing the show in addition to his co-staring role. Which is evidence enough that the series will definitely do the book justice. Below, we've rounded-up everything we know about The Sympathizer series so far.

What is The Sympathizer about?

As we know, the plot of the series focuses on a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy who retraces the story of the South Vietnamese Government in 1975 and subsequent events that led him to American exile.

A cross-cultural thriller meets satire, the story has been described as a “blistering exploration of identity and America, a gripping spy novel and a powerful story of love and friendship."

Who has been cast in the series?

So far, only Robert Downey Jr. has been confirmed to star in the upcoming series. Reportedly, he will play a variety of supporting roles; all of whom will represent a different arm of the American establishment.

As for the titular role, rumour has it that a worldwide search is still underway to find the perfect fit. Time will tell who will land the covetable role.

Is there a release date for The Sympathizer?

Given that much of casting is still underway, we are yet to receive a release date for The Sympathizer. What we do know is that the series is being produced by HBO and A24; so at least we know that our subscription won't be going to waste.

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