Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Robert Downey Jr. recently raised headlines when he ended his award run forOppenheimerwith an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. It looks like the Iron Man actor whose acting credibility is often ignored due to his MCU affinity has transformed his script choices. His latest appearance inThe Sympathizertrailer proves it.
The Sympathizeris an upcoming limited series featuring Robert Downey Jr. alongside Sandra Oh and Hoa Xuande, made by the renowned South Korean filmmaker, Park Chan-wook. The 60-year-old is known for making critically acclaimed films likeOldboy,Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, andThe Handmaiden. It has convinced the fans that RDJ will have another award season to his name.
The Sympathizertrailer promises another Robert Downey Jr. acting masterclass
Robert Downey Jr.looked entirely different when he portrayed Lewis Strauss inOppenheimer. It was not only about the physical appearance but the Marvel legend also embodied the antagonist from within and took home all themajor awardsfor his performance. Now the trailer for Max’sThe Sympathizercements the fact that Downey Jr. has completely left behind his Tony Stark image.
“He has a tremendous amount of respect”: Iron Man Director’s Revelation About Robert Downey Jr. Would Come as a Shock for Fans Assuming it Was Only Improv Acting
The Sympathizeris based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. The limited series is a dark comedic political thriller featuring a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the concluding days of the Vietnam War. The series will chronicle his struggle as he is exiled to Los Angeles and can’t get rid of his spying days.
A man of two faces.#TheSympathizer, the new HBO Original Limited Series from Park Chan-wook and Robert Downey Jr. and based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen, premieres April 14 on Max.pic.twitter.com/Ye9LIx0wKv
— Max (@StreamOnMax)August 12, 2025
Robert Downey Jr., who surprised the fans with hisOppenheimerlook will surprise even more by sporting numerous roles in the upcoming series. The 58-year-old will flaunt a chameleon-esque trait by playing several antagonists in the series. The trailer made it evident by showing Downey Jr. in several looks.
Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man that Kick Started the MCU was Never Part of the Main Universe – Theory
Be itChaplin,Tropic Thunder, or the much-talked-aboutOppenheimer, Downey Jr. has time and again proved that he is much more than the Tony Stark persona. Although Tony Stark earned him international stardom, such unique roles have shown the actor’s true potential. The fans are convinced that this series will present theAvengersstar with another successful award season.
Is there another award-season sweep on the horizon for Robert Downey Jr.?
Following his BAFTA win forOppenheimer, Robert Downey Jr. admitted in his speech that the Iron Man roleaffectedhis reputation (viaVariety). Although it might be debatable to most fans who primarily fell in love with the MCU because of him, Nolan indeed helped him resurrect his“dwindling credibility”.
“I wanted to be this generation’s Marty McFly”: Unbeatable Chemistry With Robert Downey Jr Helped Tom Holland Achieve One of His Biggest Dreams
It looks like the actor is on a serious journey to shred his MCU popularity and pick serious, deeper, and critic-friendly projects. This is evident in his extremely impressive transformation in the upcoming Max series. The fans have taken over the internet to claim that theSherlock Holmesactor is up for another award-season sweep. Here are some reactions by the fans:
Looks incredible. RDJ is coming for that Emmy next!
— El Jefe (@FilmmakerJeff)August 24, 2025
Looks solid 🔥
— Vinny Talks (@vinnytalks_)July 01, 2025
Robert Downey Jr. is getting old, but his acting is still flawless!
— Dr. AffanBoss 👨🏿⚕️🀄 (@affanshettima)August 12, 2025
Park Chan-wook & RDJ? Yeah we IN!https://t.co/hVuzXOS8dy
— Fizan Hamid (@i_countsixshots)July 15, 2025
Bring it on
— LEO CULU MOH MIAMI𓃵 🌝❤️ (@fawogyimiiko2)July 22, 2025
While the cast and the filmmaker working behind the series were enough to attract the audiences, A24’s involvement in the project also raised the anticipation. Besides acting, Robert Downey Jr. will also headThe Sympathizeras one of the executive producers. If he manages to give a distinct personality to all the characters he is playing in the series, he may pull off anotherOppenheimerwith this one.
The Sympathizerwill start streaming on Max on June 14, 2025, and a new episode will be released every week.
Subham Mandal
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1461
Subham Mandal is currently working as a content writer for FandomWire with an ardent interest in the world of pop culture. He has written more than 1000 articles on different spheres of modern pop culture and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He’s also an experienced student journalist having demonstrated work experience with the Times of India. He aspires to be a column writer in the future.
