Robert Downey Jr. has changed beyond recognition in the new HBO spy thriller

Robert Downey Jr. not only plays several supporting roles in HBO’s new spy thriller The Adept, but is also an executive producer of the series. On the other hand, producers Downey Jr.’s wife Susan Downey and Niv Fichman present the exciting filming process and the successful cooperation with the creative team of the series.

Series premiere in Los Angeles

What was the experience of working with Robert Downey Jr. on The Conformer, also unlike other projects?

Suzanne Downey (SD): We approached this one with the same dedication to excellence as we have in other projects. Producing The Sympathinzer presented us with new opportunities to tell the story from different perspectives, which we enthusiastically embraced and executed.

Working with an international team of directors and producers, we felt the responsibility to achieve the best possible result. Robert Downey Jr. brought his special charisma to the producers contributing to the overall story of the series.

Niv Fishman (NF): I was very impressed with the involvement of the production team – I am very happy to have the opportunity to work with such a great and amazing team. Robert, the main character of the series, was also part of this team and his involvement was the real essence of the series. His vision always aligned with the rest of the creative team in the most positive and supportive way. He had gone into the script and executed everything as planned. He was a great collaborator both in front of and behind the camera.

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What was the main reason why you decided to participate in the production of this series?

NF: The Sympathizer series is based on the book of the same name. I had read the book myself eight years ago when I borrowed it from a Vietnamese friend. Being an immigrant myself, born in Israel and raised in Canada, I felt a deep connection with the immigrant experience described in the book – the daily challenges associated with the adaptation process in a new country, learning English and creating a new life.

The unique perspective of the novel, where the American style merges with the Vietnamese sensibility, fascinated me and made me want to make it into a film. However, after discussions with director Park Chan-wook, we decided in favor of this series format, which turned out to be the right choice. Working with Susan Downey and the rest of the team, Don McKellar and director Park Chan-Wook, allowed for a synthesis of Korean artistry with an American perspective, creating a rich script.