THE SYMPATHIZER

THE SYMPATHIZER

Episodic

7 Episodes / Season 1

HBO / A24

Producers: Susan Downey, Amanda Burrell, Ava Nelson, Niv Fichman, Fraser Ash, Kevin Krikst, Kim Ly, Ravi Nandan, Hallie Sekoff, Sydney Coleman

Director & Co-Showrunner: Park Chan-wook

Writer & Co-Showrunner: Don McKellar

Based on: the novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen

Casting Director: Jennifer Venditti

Casting Associate: Alan Scott Neal

Casting Assistant: Ivy Pham

Start Date: June 2022 - March 2023

Location: Vietnam and Los Angeles, CA

CAST: Robert Downey Jr.

Seeking:

[ THE CAPTAIN ]
Male. Late 20s to early 30s. Half Vietnamese / Half Caucasian. A refugee from conflict in the North, he works in counterintelligence for the South Vietnamese army but at the same time is a double agent for the Viet Cong. Educated in America. Slender. Charismatic, witty and intelligent. Sensitive with an edge / darkness to him. Believable he could carry a secret and also have a violent side to him. Must speak fluent Vietnamese and fluent English (both flawlessly). Ability to speak some French a plus. SERIES LEAD. MULTI-YEAR DEAL. NUDITY, SEXUAL SITUATIONS AND SIMULATION REQUIRED.

[ THE GENERAL ]
Male. Mid 40s to mid 50s. Vietnamese. Head of the South Vietnamese Secret Police, a Christian and an epicure (though not necessarily in that order). Paranoid, hen-pecked and proud to an almost ludicrous degree, he is an ardent believer in the American Dream and, if cornered, a dangerous patriot. Perfect posture. A leader of men. Can be dangerous, but there’s a pathetic side to him as well. A bit of a Napoleon complex. Must speak fluent Vietnamese (Southern dialect). Must speak English (but doesn’t have to be perfect). SERIES LEAD. MULTI-YEAR DEAL. SOME NUDITY REQUIRED.

[ BON ]
Male. Late 20s to early 30s. Vietnamese. A devoted friend, husband and father. His closest friend is the captain. A born soldier, a nationalist, a fearless fighter and, if necessary, a killer, but at the same time, sentimental. He has a wholesome love of violence. Should look physically strong. Not traditionally handsome. A face with lots of character. Gets into fights. Training in kung fu or taekwondo a plus. Must speak fluent Vietnamese (Southern dialect). Must speak some English (but not perfect). SERIES LEAD. MULTI-YEAR DEAL. NUDITY REQUIRED.

[ MAN ]
Male. 30s to early 40s. Vietnamese. An effortless leader, who acts like a big brother to the Captain, and also as his handler for the Communists. He is protective and compassionate, an idealist, but also an ideologue with a dangerous zealous streak. Self-disciplined. A dentist by trade. Must speak fluent Vietnamese. No English is required. SERIES LEAD. MULTI-YEAR DEAL.

[ LANA ]
Female. 18 - 21. Vietnamese. The General's eldest daughter. Forced immigration from Vietnam accelerates her rapid maturation from sulky teen to seductive songstress. She’s salty, she speaks her mind, and she’s pragmatic. She embraces the promise of her new country and its evolving liberal morality. Must speak flawless English (as she wants to pass as American). Does not have to speak Vietnamese. Ability to sing is a plus. Dancing skills are a plus. SERIES LEAD. MULTI-YEAR DEAL. NUDITY, SEXUAL SITUATIONS, AND SIMULATION REQUIRED.

[ CRAPULENT MAJOR ]
Male. 40s. Half Chinese / Half Vietnamese. An officer in the South Vietnamese Secret Police. He evacuates Vietnam with the General’s party to Los Angeles. An overweight, gregarious, social character. Loves food and talking. Comic ability. Very likable. Must speak fluent Vietnamese (Southern dialect). Must speak English (but doesn’t have to be perfect). Ability to speak some Cantonese is a plus. SERIES LEAD. 1 YEAR DEAL.