A new spy series coming in 2024 to HBO’s rebranded Max streaming service. The HBO seven-episode limited series features Oscar winner Downey in multiple roles, shown in the new trailer. Set to premiere on April 14 on Max.
The Sympathizer is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen of the same name. Park Chan-wook (Oldboy) and Don McKellar, who also serve as showrunners, co-created the adaptation.
Official logline describes the show as “an espionage thriller and cross-culture satire about the struggles of a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War and his resulting exile in the United States.”
The cast includes Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Vy Le, Alan Trong, Vy Le, Ky Duyen and Sandra Oh. Park writes and directs the first three episodes, with Fernando Meirelles and Marc Munden additionally helming installments. Writers of the series include Mark Richard, Naomi Iizuka, Maegan Houang, Anchuli Felicia King, and Tea Ho.
The Sympathizer is a co-production between HBO, A24, and Rhombus Media and produced in association with Cinetic Media and Moho Film. Don McKellar serves as co-showrunner and executive producer alongside Park. Downey executive produces with Nguyen and Amanda Burrell. Kim Ly, Niv Fichman for Rhombus Media, Ron Schmidt and Jisun Back executive produce for Moho Film.
Watch the Official Trailer The Sympathizer: