Following a worldwide search, HBO and A24 have established the main cast of The Sympathizer, a drama series adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, produced by and co-starring Robert Downey Jr.
The five series regulars, Hoa Xuande (Cowboy Bebop), Fred Nguyen Khan (Transplant), Toan Le, Vy Le and Alan Trong (The Tomorrow War), all of Vietnamese descent, were chosen after an extensive search in the US. USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia and Vietnam and a worldwide open online casting call.
Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Scott Ly, Hoa Xuande
The Sympathizer is an espionage thriller and cross-cultural 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.
Described as a "scorching exploration of identity and America, a gripping spy novel, and a powerful story of love and friendship," the novel is hailed as a new classic of war fiction and has been compared to the works of Kafka, Orwell and le Carré.
Xuande plays the Captain, a North Vietnamese spy embedded in the Los Angeles refugee community. A man of two minds and dual identities, the Captain finds himself caught between conflicting loyalties, conflicting desires, and ultimately forced to confront what it means to sympathize.
Nguyen Khan as Bon, the Captain's childhood friend who refuses to come to terms with the Captain's multiple identities. A proud member of the Republic of Vietnam Army, Bon arrives in Los Angeles after a tragic loss, finally finding new meaning in the most unlikely of places and circumstances.
Toan Le plays the General, the former leader of the South Vietnamese Secret Police. Overcome with paranoia, the general is obsessed with detecting traitors among the refugee community in Los Angeles and feverishly pursues his goal of leading a counter-revolutionary mission in his homeland.
Vy Le plays Lana, the rebellious daughter of the General. Fluent in American and Vietnamese culture, she has an uncanny ability to absorb and adapt to American popular culture, an ability that is dizzying for the Captain and baffling for her father.
Trong is Sonny, the Captain's idealistic former classmate and now editor of a Vietnamese-language newspaper in Los Angeles. Sonny is free to pursue his desires and ideals with an open passion that provides the perfect foil for the Captain.
They join Downey Jr., who will play multiple supporting roles as the main antagonists, all of whom represent a different arm of the American establishment.
Oldboy director Park Chan-wook is on board as co-showrunner, along with Don McKellar, and will also direct the series. Park and McKellar will also executive produce along with Downey, Susan Downey and Amanda Burrell for Team Downey. Niv Fichman will also executive produce via Rhombus Media along with Kim Ly. The series is a co-production between HBO, A24 and Rhombus Media in association with Cinetic Media and Moho Film. Jennifer Venditti is a casting director.
Xuande is represented by Industry Entertainment and Morrissey Management. Nguyen Khan is represented by Martinez Creative Management. Toan Le is represented by Authentic Talent & Literary Management and Jackoway Austen Tyerman. Vy Le is represented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Jackoway Austen Tyerman. Trong is represented by Mosaic and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller.
Watch The Sympathizer 2023 Tv Series Trailer
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