When approached to co-executive produce HBO’s new Vietnam war-era spy thriller “The Sympathizer,” Susan Downey and Amanda Burrell initially hesitated due to the complexities of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s novel. However, after thorough consideration and a packaged concept presented by co-showrunners Don McKellar and Park Chan-wook, they agreed to take on the project.
The series, set in the 1970s at the end of the Vietnam War, follows the central character known as the Captain, a half-Vietnamese, half-French communist spy navigating complex allegiances. The narrative structure, involving time jumps and multiple languages, posed significant challenges for adaptation.
One of the key decisions was to have Robert Downey Jr. play multiple roles, including a movie director and a secret agent. Downey Jr. initially sought a rationale for these roles but assured viewers that the connections would become clear by the end of the season.
The portrayal of the Captain, played by Hoa Xuande, required a nuanced depiction of his internal conflicts and dual identities. Downey Jr.'s roles as a CIA agent and a Hollywood director added layers to the narrative, with particular emphasis on avoiding caricatures and providing depth to the characters.
Throughout the production, the team prioritized authenticity and cultural sensitivity, enlisting consultants to ensure accurate translations and cultural references. The involvement of author Viet Thanh Nguyen further underscored the commitment to presenting the story from a Vietnamese perspective.
Despite the challenges of adapting such a complex novel, Team Downey embraced the ambitious nature of the project, aiming to deliver a visually coherent and emotionally impactful series that captures the essence of Nguyen’s acclaimed work.
