Robert Downey Jr has naturally gotten a lot of recognition and success through his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He made a name for himself in that franchise, starring as Iron Man for more than a decade before parting ways with the role. He changed lives and kickstarted the entire franchise. With his return to the franchise as Doctor Doom, his fans cannot help but be glad about all that he could do in the role.

There is no denying that Marvel was a very big part of Downey Jr’s career, many seem to forget that on top of being a superhero or a supervillain, but he is also one of the most talented actors in the industry. While he did get some recognition for this after starring in Oppenheimer, he has starred in other projects since Avengers: Endgame that deserve just as much credit, if not more.

Robert Downey Jr’s Magnum Opus

Robert Downey Jr has two Oscar nominations and one win under his belt. Outside of his work as a superhero, he has starred in several successful projects and made a name for himself as a talented actor. However, even though he has had a lot of high-profile projects, his best performance, to date, is in a series that does not get much recognition.

Robert Downey Jr. in a still from The Sympathizer I Max

Earlier this year, he starred in the television adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s famous novel, The Sympathizer. While the series was excellent for many reasons, there was one aspect of its casting that made Downey Jr’s presence all the more impressive. The actor ended up playing four different characters throughout the duration of the series.

Not only were they physically very different people, but their personalities were also completely opposite to each other. From playing the main helping hand for the protagonist to a thorn in his side, it is safe to say that Downey Jr gave this series his all.

Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark I Credit: Marvel Studios

Not only do the ratings perfectly showcase his efforts, having an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, but the fans who have seen the series cannot stop marveling at its perfection.

The Sympathizer Deserves More From Fans

Even though The Sympathizer is Robert Downey Jr’s most impressive feat to date, it has not stirred much conversation. Overshadowed by the bright lights of Marvel Studios and their fantastic announcements, there has been little hype around the project.

Robert Downey Jr. in The Sympathizer I Max

Audiences are unable to look past the casting of Doctor Doom to see other impressive and excellent works that Downey has been a part of.

In a recent Reddit thread, fans could not help but discuss how frustrated they were that the series did not get the attention it deserved. The series is a masterpiece in every definition of the word and is a great adaptation at that. One fan even went as far as to call it the best adaptation that they have ever seen.

Some pointed out that since it was an indie series, they did not do excessive marketing and focused on making art instead of making a popular film. While this did cause them to make something beautiful, fans cannot help but be frustrated that the entire world cannot experience its allure with them.

The Sympathizer is available for streaming on Max.