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Tran Thanh‘s “The 4 Rascals” (Bo Tu Bao Thu) has taken the Vietnamese box office by storm, becoming the country’s highest-grossing film of the year and breaking records at an unprecedented pace. The film’s rapid financial success, surpassing 100 billion Vnd in just three days and crossing the 300 billion Vnd ($12M) mark within 12 days, highlights, once more, that Tran Thanh is the undisputed king of Vietnamese box office. Now, with an expansive release in nearly 300 theaters across North America and Europe, “The 4 Rascals” marks a historic moment for Vietnamese cinema on the global stage, as it has become the biggest box office success in North America for a Vietnam-produced film.

The movie begins as a story about the rivaling friendship of two women, Kieu, who also narrates the story, and Quynh Anh. However, as soon as her narration reaches the point when her friend met and eventually...

André Holland is on a roll with three new films, ‘The Last Supper’ tests the faith-based market, hot Vietnamese director Tran Thanh is back, and documentary October 8 examines the explosion of antisemitism after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

A handful of big indies are out with wide releases from Focus Features (Black Bag) to A24 (Opus) to Falling Forward Films and Ketchup Entertainment (Looney Tunes: The Day The Earth Blew Up).

Neon, the indie distributor of the moment, is out with mystery-thriller The Actor, André Holland’s third leading role this year after Sundance-premiering Love, Brooklyn by Rachael Abigail Holder, which Holland also produced, and The Dutchman, by Andre Gaines, which just debuted at SXSW. The Actor opens in NYC at the Angelika, Holland doing Q&As, at The Grove in LA and top 10 markets – 20+ screens in all.

Based on the novel Memory by Donald E. Westlake, the film,...

Exclusive: Vietnam’s highest-grossing film of 2025 to date, The 4 Rascals (Bo Tu Bao Thu), has been set for theatrical release in 12 markets including North America, the UK and Germany beginning March 14. This is the latest in a string of local hits to be released internationally by savvy specialty distributor 3388 Films.

It’s also the latest film from director Tran Thanh to top Vietnamese box office charts. When it released locally on January 29, The 4 Rascals crossed the 100B Vnd ($4M) threshold within three days – the fastest ever to the mark. By day 12, the movie exceeded 300B Vnd ($12M), giving the filmmaker his 4th title in the Top 5 highest-grossing movies of all time in Vietnam.

Tran Thanh is also the only director to ever have a film cross 300B Vnd at the Vietnam box office, a feat he has achieved with each of his titles.

“The Sympathizer” is an epic about Vietnamese histories — plural.

The HBO series takes its title from the experience of a North Vietnamese spy known as the Captain (Hoa Xuande), who embeds in a South Vietnamese community in 1970s Los Angeles after the war. By the end, he has nearly lost his sense of himself after struggling to make sense of the infinite political ideologies held by his country’s people and the fact that none had put an end to human suffering.

That’s a lot to hold — too much, in fact, for one person. So casting director Jennifer Venditti, known best for crafting the ensembles of “Euphoria,” “Uncut Gems” and more, went on an eight-month worldwide journey to find actors whose overlapping performances, and personal histories, would add layers to the Captain’s journey.

Traditional auditions aren’t Venditti’s style. “Part of my process is I do interviews with people as well,...

Co-producers are eager for The Sympathizer season 2 with more character exploration. They were focused on season 1 before planning sequels. Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar-created series features a talented and starry cast.

The Sympathizer season 2 gets a candid update from the producers of the HBO drama, which recently concluded its run. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen, The Sympathizer was created by showrunners Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar, with the acclaimed filmmaker Park directing the first three episodes. The cast includes Hoa Xuande, Robert Downey Jr., Toan Le, Fred Nguyen Khan, Duy Nguyn, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Phanxin, Kieu Chinh, Alan Trong, and Sandra Oh.

In an interview with TheWrap, co-producers Amanda Burrell and Susan Downey gave an update on the chances of The Sympathizer season 2:

Burrell: Were so in love with these characters and I think with Hoa as our are Captain it would be amazing.

The Sympathizer is a period spy thriller and dark comedy series created by Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar. Based on a 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Vietnamese author Viet Thanh Nguyen, the HBO series follows the story of the Captain, a North Vietnam spy planted in the army of South Vietnam but when he is forced to flee to the United States, he keeps gathering information on his community to send it back to the Viet Cong. The Sympathizer stars Hoa Xuande in the lead role with Robert Downey Jr., Toan Le, Fred Nguyen Khan, Duy Nguyễn, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Alan Trong, and Sandra Oh starring in supporting roles. If you loved the spy thriller and dark comedy aspects of The Sympathizer here are some similar shows you could watch next.

The Americans (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – FX

The Americans is a...

Note: This story contains spoilers from “The Sympathizer” Episode 6.

In Sunday’s episode of “The Sympathizer,” the Captain (Hoa Xuande) murders his nemesis Sonny (Alan Trong) in his apartment, following the General’s (Toan Le) orders after concerns surfaced about his reporting on their covert mission.

But the decision is fueled by more than just the directive, after The Captain learned that his girlfriend Sofia Mori (Sandra Oh) had been having an affair with Sonny while he was away, working as a Vietnamese interpreter on Nikos’ (Robert Downey Jr.) movie.

“We have a rivalry that’s obviously spanned through our childhood because we have very similar backstories. The Captain and Sonny had American education before they split ways, so they see their causes for the Vietnamese people very similarly, but they obviously act upon it in very different ways,” Xuande told TheWrap. “I can only speak on behalf of the...

In the upcoming episode of “The Sympathizer” titled “Endings Are Hard, Aren’t They?” viewers are in for a gripping ride as the story delves deeper into the life of the spy embedded in the South Vietnam army. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War’s final days, tensions run high as the spy navigates his double life in the United States, torn between loyalty and survival.

As the episode unfolds at 9:00 Pm on Sunday, 26 May 2024, on HBO, audiences can expect to witness the intricate web of espionage and betrayal unravel in unexpected ways. The spy’s struggles intensify as he grapples with the moral complexities of his actions, blurring the lines between right and wrong in a world fraught with uncertainty.

With stellar performances and a riveting storyline, “The Sympathizer” continues to captivate viewers with its raw portrayal of war, identity, and the human experience. As the series reaches its seventh episode,...

The satirical spy-thriller “The Sympathizer” hopes to make a mark at the Primetime Emmys this year, as HBO/Max has submitted the show for 27 Emmy categories. The hopeful bids from creators Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar include acting recognition for breakout performer Hoa Xuande and superstar Robert Downey Jr., as well as outstanding limited or anthology series.

Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s 2015 debut novel, “The Sympathizer” tells the story of “The Captain” (Xuande), a North Vietnamese soldier in the South Vietnamese army who is forced to flee to the United States with his general near the end of the Vietnam War. While living within a community of South Vietnamese refugees, he continues to spy on the community, struggling between his original loyalties and his new life.

Fresh off his Oscar win for supporting actor in “Oppenheimer,” Downey aims to become the first male actor to win an Oscar and...

Get ready for an intense and gripping episode of “The Sympathizer” as Season 1 Episode 6, titled “The Oriental Mode of Destruction,” airs at 9:00 Pm on Sunday, May 19, 2024, on HBO. In this thrilling installment, viewers will be drawn deeper into the world of espionage and intrigue as the story nears its climax.

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War’s final days, “The Sympathizer” follows a spy embedded within the South Vietnamese army as he flees to the United States and takes up residence in a refugee community. Despite his new surroundings, the spy continues to gather intelligence and report back to the Viet Cong, navigating a dangerous world of double-crosses and betrayal.

As tensions rise and the stakes escalate, viewers can expect plenty of twists and turns as the spy’s loyalties are put to the test. With its complex characters, gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes, “The Sympathizer” offers...

HBO's miniseries The Sympathizer is based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's novel and focuses on a North Vietnamese spy continuing his mission as a South Vietnam plant after the end of the Vietnam War. The show features a diverse ensemble cast and crew, showcasing Vietnamese representation and collaboration among Asian cultures. Phanxin and Kieu Chinh open up about their character arcs in the show, how their real-life experiences informed their performances, and the importance of the show's Vietnamese representation.

Get a new perspective on the Vietnam War and its fallout with The Sympathizer. Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the HBO miniseries centers on the Captain, a North Vietnamese spy working as a Communist plant in the South Vietnamese army in the '70s. When the war comes to an end, and he's forced to escape his home to head to America, the...

Projects about the Vietnam War and its aftermath are so plentiful as to be practically their own genre, and they’ve starred a who’s who of Hollywood icons, including John Wayne, Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando, Robin Williams, Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson and Christian Bale.

Notably missing from the casts — at least among the substantive speaking parts — have been performers of actual Vietnamese descent. That’s finally changed with The Sympathizer, HBO and A24’s limited series adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer-winning novel. Robert Downey Jr. (who also executive produces) and Sandra Oh are the big names involved, but they are led by relative newcomer Hoa Xuande and joined by Vietnamese costars to tell a story about spycraft and personal and collective identity immediately following the conflict, centering the people whose lives and country were torn apart as a result.

The Hollywood Reporter spoke with eight of...

The Captain has a big morale dilemma in the first season of The Sympathizer TV show on HBO. As we all know, Nielsen ratings typically play a big role in determining whether a TV show like The Sympathizer is cancelled or renewed for season two. Unfortunately, most of us do not live in Nielsen households. Because many viewers feel frustrated when their viewing habits and opinions aren't considered, we invite you to rate all of the first season episodes of The Sympathizer here.

An HBO historical dark comedy-drama series, The Sympathizer TV show stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Sandra Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. (in multiple roles). The story revolves around the struggles of the Captain (Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese...

This Sunday on HBO, viewers are in for a gripping and thought-provoking episode of “The Sympathizer” with Season 1 Episode 4 titled “Give Us Some Good Lines.” Set near the end of the Vietnam War, the series follows the journey of a spy embedded in the South Vietnamese army who flees to the United States and settles in a refugee community. Despite his new surroundings, he continues to gather intelligence and report back to the Viet Cong.

In this installment, tensions rise as the spy navigates the complexities of his double life while grappling with the moral dilemmas that come with espionage. As the stakes escalate, viewers will be drawn deeper into the web of intrigue and deception that surrounds the protagonist.

Tune in at 9:00 Pm this Sunday, May 5th, 2024, on HBO, and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of “The Sympathizer.” It’s a riveting portrayal of loyalty, betrayal, and...

We don't have to wonder if The Sympathizer will be cancelled or renewed for a second season since it's been promoted as a limited series. Still, HBO sometimes likes to change course and find a way to keep shows going. Big Little Lies and The White Lotus are good examples. Could The Sympathizer continue beyond these seven episodes? Stay tuned.

A historical dark comedy-drama series, The Sympathizer TV show stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Sandra Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. (in multiple roles). The story revolves around the struggles of the Captain (Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War. He flees to America with his general (Le) and begins a new life in Los Angeles within a...

Vulture Watch

The Captain has serious choices to make. Has The Sympathizer TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on HBO? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of The Sympathizer, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?  

What's This TV Show About?

A historical dark comedy-drama series airing on the HBO cable channel, The Sympathizer TV show stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Sandra Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. (in multiple roles). The story revolves around the struggles of the Captain (Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War. He flees...

Get ready for an intense episode of “The Sympathizer” titled “Love It or Leave It,” airing on HBO at 9:00 Pm on Sunday, April 28, 2024. In this gripping installment, tensions rise as the Captain grapples with the General’s orders to eliminate the spy among them.

Feeling the weight of this task, the Captain turns to Bon for assistance in crafting and executing a plan, timed perfectly for Independence Day. As they strategize, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the pressure mounts as they race against time to uncover the traitor in their midst.

Meanwhile, amidst the turmoil, Claude introduces the Captain to the enigmatic figure known as the Auteur during an upscale lunch. With alliances shifting and secrets lurking, the Captain finds himself navigating treacherous waters where loyalty and betrayal blur the lines.

Don’t miss out on the suspenseful twists and turns of “Love It or Leave It...

The Sympathizer is a historical black comedy series with elements of war, spy, politics, and mystery. Based on a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction winning 2015 best-selling novel of the same name by Vietnamese-American professor Viet Thanh Nguyen, the HBO series is co-written and directed by Park Chan-wook.

The HBO series is set near the end of the Vietnam war and it follows the story of a spy embedded in the South Vietnam army as he flees to the United States to gather intelligence for the Viet Cong. The Sympathizer is simply a thrilling experience with some great comedy and layered characters that will have you glued to your screen.

The Sympathizer – Episode Guide (When Will the New Episodes Arrive?) Credit – HBO

The Sympathizer consists of seven episodes in total. The historical dark comedy series premiered on HBO with its first episode on April 14, with the rest of the episodes coming out weekly every Sunday.

Team Downey reunites with HBO for The Sympathizer, featuring Robert Downey Jr. in four unique roles. The captivating Vietnam War-era thriller is based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's novel exploring espionage and immigrant struggles. Executive Producers Susan Downey and Niv Fichman prioritized authenticity by involving Vietnamese voices in all aspects of production.

Team Downey keeps their success streak with HBO going with The Sympathizer. The production banner headed by Susan Downey and Robert Downey Jr. first teamed up with the premium network for the Perry Mason revival/reboot, in which the Oscar winner was set to star before reverting to just an executive producer due to scheduling issues. In addition to HBO, Team Downey is also working with the network's sister streaming platform, Max, for two Sherlock Holmes spin-off shows.

Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's novel of the same name, the HBO thriller centers on a North Vietnamese spy known...

Don McKellar tackles a new project with The Sympathizer, bringing his creative talents to the TV sphere with renowned director Park Chan-wook. The Sympathizer delves deep into a complex narrative, capturing the essence of the source material's Hollywood satire and war drama. McKellar navigates challenges in adapting the novel, particularly in capturing the voice of the Captain through a unique narrative device.

Multihyphenate Don McKellar is tackling his biggest project to date with The Sympathizer. The Canadian creative first found success as an actor in everything from the David Cronenberg-helmed eXistenZ to the Samuel L. Jackson-starring The Red Violin, which he also penned. McKellar went on to find further acclaim behind the camera with the 1998 apocalyptic black dramedy Last Night, which he wrote and directed and won him the Cannes "Award of the Youth" trophy.

With The Sympathizer, McKellar makes his return as a creator/showrunner in the TV sphere,...

Vietnamese actors in HBO's The Sympathizer present a truthful depiction of their culture on screen through natural dialogue delivery. The show's non-linear production allowed stars Vy Le, Ky Duyen, and Toan Le to grow with their characters, exploring inner power in different ways. Director Park Chan-wook's precision and vision made him the perfect choice to helm the HBO thriller to his stars, guiding them with exact direction.

Some wars continue long after they end, as seen in The Sympathizer. Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the HBO miniseries revolves around a North Vietnamese spy simply known as the Captain, who has been working undercover in the South Vietnamese army in the hopes of undermining their war efforts in the '70s. As the Vietnam War comes to an end, the Captain and some of his South Vietnam cohorts escape to America to start new lives,...

Director Park Chan-wook brings his genre-bending expertise to TV with The Sympathizer miniseries on HBO, exploring the complexities of espionage and immigrant experiences. Director Park, alongside his team, made a conscious effort to stay true to the Vietnamese representation in the show by hiring dependable consultants for authenticity and guidance. With Robert Downey Jr. taking on four different roles, filming for The Sympathizer was a unique and challenging process that Director Park found both delightful and exciting.

Park Chan-wook makes his triumphant return to TV with The Sympathizer. The South Korean filmmaker became a worldwide phenomenon with the release of 2003's Oldboy adaptation, the second installment in his unofficial The Vengeance Trilogy that began with Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and concluded with 2005's Lady Vengeance. He's since gone on to find acclaim with the 2009 horror movie Thirst, producing Bong Joon-ho's breakout hit Snowpiercer, the psychological thrillers The Handmaiden and Stoker,...

The Sympathizer presents Vietnamese culture with a primarily Vietnamese cast speaking their native tongue. Stars Fred Nguyen Khan and Duy Nguyn researched extensively to time-travel into the late 1970s setting, finding inspiration in music. Interestingly, the two actors were already friends well before being cast in the show, which further helped them capture the close bond between their characters.

The Vietnam War is being told through a unique new lens with The Sympathizer. Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the HBO thriller is set near the end of the Vietnam War, following a group of refugees as they escape from the country and head to America to build new lives. Amid the refugees is the Captain, a spy for North Vietnam who had been working undercover in the South Vietnam army and continues his mission while on the other side of the world.

The Sympathizer centers on a North Vietnamese spy in the Vietnam War, portrayed brilliantly by Hoa Xuande, with Sandra Oh playing a pivotal role in his internal conflicts. The show focuses on Vietnamese representation, avoids Western perspectives, features mostly Vietnamese dialogue, and sheds light on the struggle of Asian actors in Hollywood. Xuande and Oh were thrilled about the show's complex layers and Vietnamese representation, with episode 4 standing out as a highlight for its satirical take on Hollywood-based Vietnam War productions.

Sandra Oh continues her reign on television with The Sympathizer. Having first broken out with the HBO comedy Arliss, Oh has garnered widespread acclaim on both the big and small screens throughout her career with the likes of Grey's Anatomy, for which she landed five Primetime Emmy nominations and won her first Golden Globe, Sideways and Turning Red. More recently, she's been seen and heard in AMC's Killing Eve,...

With the first episode of The Sympathizer premiering this past weekend on HBO, the world is seeing just how wild this adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is. A stunning blend of war story, satire, and powerful drama, The Sympathizer boasts impressive performances from a cast featuring Hoa Xuande, Sandra Oh, and Robert Downey Jr in five distinct performances. Written by Don McKellar alongside Oldboy director Park Chan-wook, The Sympathizer is incredible. The seven-part series will be a big contender for series of the year. I got the chance to speak with the cast and producers about bringing the book to the screen, and their insights are below. Check it out.

First, I asked Sandra Oh about her layered experience making recent films like Umma, which focused on Korean identity, and the comedy Quiz Lady with Awkwafina, which touched on race and culture without making it a central part of the plot.

Network: HBO

Episodes: Seven (hour)

Seasons: One

TV show dates: April 14, 2024 -- present

Series status: Has not been cancelled

Performers include: Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Sandra Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. (in multiple roles).

TV show description:

A historical black comedy-drama series, The Sympathizer TV show is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen.

The story revolves around the struggles of the Captain (Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War.

Read More…...

The life of a spy can be exciting, glamorous, and sexy, but it can also be deadly, especially when you are a sleeper agent whose loyalties are in question. The new HBO satirical/thriller series “The Sympathizer” premieres on Sunday, April 14 at 9 p.m. Et on Max and pulls the curtain back on the world of international espionage before and after the end of the Vietnam War. Starring Hoa Xuande and Robert Downey Jr., the series has all of the makings of HBO’s next Sunday-night obsession. You can watch with a subscription to Max.

How to Watch ‘The Sympathizer’ Premiere When: Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 9:00 Pm Edt Where: Max Stream: Watch with a subscription to Max. Sign Up$9.99+ / month Max.com About ‘The Sympathizer’ Premiere

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen, “The Sympathizer” chronicles the journey of a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy known as the Captain...

Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for The Sympathizer, Fallout and Quiet on Set.

Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver screening

On April 5, Netflix hosted a fan screening in New York to celebrate the upcoming release of Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver with filmmakers Zack and Deborah Snyder and stars Sofia Boutella, Djimon Hounsou, Michiel Huisman, Ed Skrein, Staz Nair, Fra Fee, Elise Duffy, Stuart Martin and Ray Fisher.

Wesley Coller, Stuart Martin, Ed Skrein, Staz Nair, Deborah Snyder, Eric Newman, Zack Snyder, Ray Fisher, Fra Fee, Djimon Hounsou, Elise Duffy, Sofia Boutella and Michiel Huisman

The Sympathizer premiere

Robert Downey Jr., Sandra Oh and Hoa Xuande walked the carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of their new HBO series on Tuesday.

Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey Sandra Oh, Hoa Xuande...

The Sympathizer showrunners Park Chan-wook and Don McKeller opened up about the creative team’s decision to cast Robert Downey Jr. as four different characters in the upcoming Max series. This marks the Marvel vet’s TV comeback, after over two decades since starring in the legal comedy series Ally McBeal.

In Max’s newest dark comedy miniseries, Downey is expected to portray four American characters: a CIA agent, a professor, a politician and a Hollywood director. Per The Hollywood Reporter, during The Sympathizer’s Los Angeles premiere, Park and McKeller explained why casting one actor to play four characters was necessary for the show’s storytelling. “Even though each of the characters from all of the four have different occupations, and they might have different characteristics, in essence it was very important they were faces that represent America,” the Oldboy director said via a translator. "So in order to...

Fresh off of his Oppenheimer Oscar win, Robert Downey Jr. is playing not just one new character but four in upcoming HBO series The Sympathizer.

The series is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Viet Thanh Nguyen, which is set at the end of the Vietnam war and follows an unnamed spy known as The Captain (played by Hoa Xuande) who flees to the United States, where he continues to gather intelligence and report back to the Viet Cong. In the show, Downey plays four different Americans who play a role in the spy’s journey: a CIA operative, a professor, a congressman and a movie director.

Park Chan-wook, who served as co-showrunner and directed several of the episodes, explained via a translator at the show’s Los Angeles premiere Tuesday that “even though each of the characters from all of the four have different...

Robert Downey Jr. and Sandra Oh are stepping out for the premiere of their new HBO series!

The co-stars posed for photos on the red carpet at the premiere of The Sympathizer on Tuesday (April 9) held at The Paramount in Los Angeles.

For the premiere, the 59-year-old Oscar-winning actor sported a black sheer shirt with a tan suit while the 52-year-old Golden Globe-winning actress looked pretty in a white, cutout dress.

Fellow cast members in attendance included Hoa Xunade, Fred Nguyen, Toan Le, Duy Nguyen, Vy Le, Kieu Chinh, Kayli Tran, VyVy Nguyen, Ky Duyen, and Marine Delterme.

Keep reading to find out more…Here’s the show’s logline: Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the show is 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...

“Quiet on Set” Docuseries to Launch New Episode

The gripping Investigation Discovery docuseries “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” will release one more episode next month.

The recent four-episode unscripted series details the toxic culture behind some of the most iconic children’s shows of the late 1990s and early 2000s at Nickelodeon, including “The Amanda Show” and “Drake & Josh,” and at the hands of TV producer Dan Schneider.

The surprise fifth episode will reportedly feature new interviews with earlier subjects, including Drake Bell and “All That” cast members Giovonnie Samuels, to build off the revelations from the first four episodes. The episode will also feature new interviewee and “All That” cast member Shane Lyons, who will be interviewed by journalist Soledad O’Brien for a discussion about where the industry can next.

Watch the trailer for “Quiet on Set” below:

According to ID, the first four...

HBO has released the official trailer and key art for the seven-episode HBO Original limited series The Sympathizer, debuting Sunday, April 14 (9:00-10:00 p.m. Et/Pt). Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar co-showrun and executive produce. The series stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Emmy® winner Sandra Oh and Academy Award® nominee Robert Downey Jr., who plays multiple roles. Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, The Sympathizer is an espionage thriller and cross-culture satire about the struggles of a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of ... Read more...

The trailer for HBO’s upcoming limited series The Sympathizer has debuted online!

Here’s the logline: Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the show is 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 new life as a refugee in Los Angeles, where he learns that his spying days aren’t over.

Keep reading to find out more…

The series stars Robert Downey, Jr. (who plays multiple roles), Sandra Oh, Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, and Alan Trong.

The show will debut on Sunday (April 14) on HBO.

Watch the teaser below and see some stills in the gallery!

“Welcome to the world of spycraft!”

HBO released the newest trailer for its upcoming series The Sympathizer, based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. Robert Downey Jr. stars in and executive produces the seven-episode show alongside his wife and producing partner Susan Downey.

“Biracial. Bilingual. I was a synthesis of incompatibilities, so what did I do?” Hoa Xuande’s The Captain says at the beginning of the trailer, over scenes of his spy work. “Saigon 1975. I was a man of two faces. The war was ending, and I awaited my new assignment.”

When his handler, played by Downey, appears in Vietnam, he tells The Captain his next job for the CIA is in America. “By the time I’m through with you, you’ll be able to blend in with the Harvard rowing crew,” Downey tells him.

As the two-and-half-minute trailer goes on, it...

The Sympathizer is an upcoming miniseries that is based on the 2015 Pulitzer Award-winning novel of the same name written by American-Vietnamese writer Nguyễn Thanh Việt. The novel itself was a major hit, so it doesn’t really surprise us that A24 picked it up for an adaptation, which was later ordered by HBO to be streamed on its platform. The series is scheduled for an April 14, 2024 premiere and will consist of seven episodes, ending on May 26, 2024. Now, ahead of the upcoming release, a new trailer has been revealed, which you will be able to check out here.

Not long after HBO’s acquisition, it was revealed that Oscar-winner Robert Downey Jr. would be starring in the series in multiple roles. He will be joined by Sandra Oh in a recurring role, as the miniseries will be directed by South Korean director Park Chan-wook. The confirmed roles include:

Main

Hoa Xuande...

HBO has released the official trailer for its seven-episode limited series The Sympathizer, which will premiere on Sunday, April 14 (9:00-10:00 p.m. Et/Pt). In addition to premiering on HBO, the series will be available to stream on Max.

Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, The Sympathizer is 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 new life as a refugee in Los Angeles, where he learns that his spying days aren’t over.

Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar co-showrun and executive produce the show, which comes from A24.

The series stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Emmy winner Sandra Oh, and Academy Award nominee Robert Downey Jr., who plays multiple roles.

Robert Downey Jr. may newly be wearing the title of Oscar winner, but the “Oppenheimer” star is shedding all semblance of self for Park Chan-wook’s “The Sympathizer.”

Downey is a chameleon in multiple roles for the HBO seven-episode limited series, co-showrun by Park and Don McKellar who both executive produce. “The Sympathizer” is based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name and is at once an espionage thriller and cross-culture satire about the struggles of a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy (Hoa Xuande) during the final days of the Vietnam War. As he starts his new life as a refugee in Los Angeles he learns that his spying days aren’t over.

“The Sympathizer” cast also includes Sandra Oh, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, and Alan Trong. The series is a co-production between A24 and HBO,...

Robert Downey Jr. appears to be traveling further down the road that won him the Oscar this year. After playing the antagonist Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer, Downey Jr. has landed another antagonist role in the upcoming HBO series, The Sympathizer. When glimpses of his performance in the series were released on social media, fans were pretty sure that the actor is aiming for the Primetime Emmys next.

Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer

Besides his acting role in the series, Downey Jr. and his wife Susan Downey serve as the executive producers of the series. The Sympathizer is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Viet Thanh Nguyen.

Robert Downey Jr. Eyeing The Emmys Next After Oscar Win With New Series Role

Robert Downey Jr. aims for the Emmys with his new role(s) in The Sympathizer

Robert Downey Jr. was seen in at...

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced the movies, TV shows, and live sports that will be available on the Max streaming service in April. The Max April 2024 lineup includes the HBO original limited series The Sympathizer, the Max original unscripted series Conan O’Brien Must Go, and the HBO original comedy special Alex Edelman: Just for Us.

The April schedule also includes the HBO original documentary series The Jinx – Part Two and The Synanon Fix, the HBO original documentaries Brandy Hellville & The Cult Of Fast Fashion and An American Bombing: The Road to April 19th, season four of HBO original We’re Here, And A24’s The Zone of Interest.

Sports fans will be able to watch live games from the 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship and studio coverage airing on TBS, TNT, and truTV. The coverage will include the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Semifinals and the 2024 Men’s National Championship.

War, spy games, political intrigue, social commentary, and plenty of 1970s style -- all wrapped up into one exciting limited series.

In July 2021, HBO announced it had ordered The Sympathizer as a series, with Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar signed on as co-showrunners.

The Sympathizer is based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a communist spy during the Vietnam War and his eventual life in the United States.

In 2021, Nguyen announced his novel was optioned by production studio A24. Robert Downey Jr. soon joined as a producer and costar.

The Sympathizer will be executive produced and directed by filmmaker Park Chan-wook, who also worked on Snowpiercer, Oldboy, and The Little Drummer Girl.

Other directors for the show include Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles, known for City of God, and English director Marc Munden, known for Utopia and National Treasure.

Notable writers for The Sympathizer include Mark Richard (The Man in the High Castle...

The Sympathizer has a premiere date. HBO has announced the spy drama will arrive in April with the release of a teaser. Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar serve as co-showrunners and executive produce the seven-episode series.

Starring Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Vy Le, Alan Trong, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, and Sandra Oh with Robert Downey Jr. playing multiple roles, the HBO drama is based on the novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen and is set during the Vietnam War.

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While we were denied the chance to see Robert Downey Jr. as Perry Mason in the eponymous show he produced (Matthew Rhys ended up taking the role), The Sympathizer, is a different beast entirely. He'll play multiple roles in that one, while Oldboy and The Handmaiden's Park Chan-wook is in charge. A new trailer for the series is online and you can see it below:

Adapted from Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Sympathizer stars Hoa Xuande as the half-French, half-Vietnamese communist who becomes wrapped up in spying on his own government and military for the CIA. But where do his loyalties truly lie?

Downey Jr. here plays multiple roles, including the spy's handler, while the cast also includes Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong and Sandra Oh.

Working alongside Park Chan-wook (who executive produces and directs the...

HBO has released a new trailer and announced a premiere date for The Sympathizer, infiltrating the network’s Max streaming service on April 14. The limited series based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel looks like a must-watch event for spy thriller fans who enjoy infiltration with a comedic edge. Today’s The Sympathizer trailer is a hoot and a half. Try to spot all the incarnations of Robert Downey Jr. before the reveal at the end!

The series is 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. Hoa Xuande leads the series, with Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Vy Le, Alan Trong, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, and Sandra Oh. Robert Downey Jr. pops up in multiple roles, but could they all be the same character in disguise?...

Oscar frontrunner Robert Downey Jr. stars alongside newcomer Hoa Xuande as well as Emmy nominee Sandra Oh, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, and Alan Trong – and then also Downey, Downey, and Downey again – in the new series “The Sympathizer.” The limited event from acclaimed director Park Chan-wook (“Oldboy”) and Don McKellar debuts on HBO beginning April 14.

About the Downey of it all: The “Oppenheimer” star, who is widely expected to win his first Oscar for the film during the Academy Awards on March 10, plays four roles in “The Sympathizer,” with each distinct character representing a form of American imperialism.

“I was astounded by how quickly he was able to come up with a very different performance—he’d do a different improv for each and every take,” Park told Vanity Fair in an interview published Thursday to coincide with the new...

In The Sympathizer, Robert Downey Jr. is everywhere.

HBO released a new trailer for the espionage thriller on Thursday showcasing executive producer Downey Jr. playing multiple characters. The upcoming limited series adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel will premiere on Sunday, April 19 at 9 pm Et.

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With Park Chan-wook (The Handmaiden, Joint Security Area) and Don McKellar (Michael: Every Day) serving as its co-showrunners,...

You know what I love? I love seeing actors act. That sounds incredibly obvious laid out like that, but I swear it makes a weird amount of sense when it comes to Robert Downey, Jr. Nobody could ever doubt the man's talent or ambition, pulling himself up by his bootstraps to go from persona non grata in Hollywood to one of the biggest stars on the planet. But even the biggest fans of his performances as Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe would have to admit that he hadn't exactly been given the most challenging material in the years since he starred in David Fincher's "Zodiac". But now that his superhero tenure is behind him, Downey, Jr. has been free to deliver powerhouse performances like in last year's blockbuster "Oppenheimer" or, even more intriguingly, the upcoming HBO series "The Sympathizer."

And to think that he's not even the biggest draw.

The teaser trailer for HBO’s upcoming limited series The Sympathizer has debuted online!

Here’s the logline: Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the show is 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 new life as a refugee in Los Angeles, where he learns that his spying days aren’t over.

Keep reading to find out more…

The series stars Robert Downey, Jr. (who plays multiple roles), Sandra Oh, Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, and Alan Trong.

The show will debut on Sunday (April 14) on HBO.

Watch the teaser below and see some stills in the gallery!

HBO has released a new trailer and set a premiere date for The Sympathizer — a date will allow the show to just make it under the wire for Emmy eligibility.

The limited series, based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is part spy thriller and part satire. It follows the Captain (Hoa Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy through the final days of the Vietnam War and in his new life as a refugee in Los Angeles, where he learns that his spying days aren’t over. It’s scheduled to premiere April 14, which would put its seventh and last episode on May 26, a few days before the eligibility window for the 2024 Emmys closes.

Ordered to series in July 2021, The Sympathizer is a co-production of HBO, A24 and Rhombus Media, in association with Moho Film and Cinetic Media. Don McKellar (Sensitive Skin, Last Night) and Park Chan-wook (Oldboy...

Syfy has announced its spring and summer slate of television series, including “Chucky” and “Reginald the Vampire.”

The network revealed the dates during NBCUniversal’s portion of the TV Critics Assn. winter press tour in Pasadena. The second half of Season 3 of “Chucky” will premiere April 10 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt. Season 2 of “Reginald the Vampire” will premiere May 8 at 10 p.m. and Season 2 of “The Ark” will arrive in the summer. Additionally, the horror drama “SurrealEstate” has been renewed for Season 3.

In Season 3 of “Chucky,” the murderous doll finds himself in the White House. Meanwhile, “Reginald the Vampire” follows a man who “finally got his life together when he was turned into a vampire.”

“The Ark” is set “100 years in the future when planetary colonization missions have begun as a necessity to help secure the survival of the human race. The first of these missions on a spacecraft known...