Robert Downey Jr. Is Nearly Unrecognizable in The Sympathizer Role Transformation

At first glance, fans might not recognize Robert Downey Jr. on the set of The Sympathizer. See the photo of the actor's transformation for the role.

By Elyse Dupre Jan 12, 2023 5:42 PMTags
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Robert Downey Jr., is that you?

The Iron Man star, 57, was photographed on the set of his new series The Sympathizer in Los Angeles on Jan. 11, and his transformation for the role may have you doing a double take. 

Downey wore a red, curly wig that showed his character's receding hairline and sported a pair of bleached eyebrows. To complete his costume, he donned a burgundy jacket over a pink striped button-down shirt, dark pants and brown shoes.

Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning book by the same name, The Sympathizer tells the story of a man born to a French father and Vietnamese mother who works as a communist spy during the Vietnam War and is exiled to the United States.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hoa Xuande is playing the main character while Downey is taking on a variety of supporting roles, with Sandra Oh, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Vy Le, Alan Trong, Kieu Chinh and Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen also being a part of the cast.

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Back in October, Downey shared a video in which his kids Exton, 10, and Avri, 8—whom he shares with his wife Susanhelped him shave his head for the upcoming series.

"The things we do for our work… and our kids," the actor—who also shares son Indio, 29, with ex-wife Deborah Falconer—captioned the clip. "#Sympathizer set ready."

TheImageDirect.com

To see his and more celebrity hair transformations, scroll on.

Rihanna

The Fenty Beauty founder debuted a bright blonde hair transformation April 17 while celebrating her latest Fenty x Puma collection in London.

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Elle Fanning

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Kelly Osbourne

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Zendaya

The Dune actress debuted a shoulder-grazing bob at Essence's Black Women in Hollywood Awards March 7.

Sydney Sweeney

The Anyone But You star made a showstopping appearance at Miu Miu's fall/winter 2024-2025 show during Paris Fashion Week. For the March 5 event, she unveiled a dramatic long bob haircut.

Zoey Deutch

To prepare for her upcoming role as  Jean Seberg, the 29-year-old debuted a bleached blonde pixie cut.

Anne Hathaway

The Princess Diaries alum unveiled fringe bangs at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards.

Selena Gomez

The star debuted a bangin' new style at the premiere of her friend Nicola Peltz Beckham's film Lola in February 2024.

Jennifer Lopez

The "On the Floor" singer made a dramatic hair change, as she debuted a chin-grazing bob cut at Schiaparelli's haute couture spring/summer 2024 show on Jan. 22.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard

In January 2024, a month after her prison release, the now-influencer shared a pic of herself sporting a shorter 'do.

Kylie Jenner

Kylie Jenner traded in her dark locks for a pink 'do in January 2024.

Julianne Hough

In January 2024, the Dancing With the Stars personality shared a video of herself cutting her own hair. "Out with the old energy," she wrote, "and in with the new."

Kate Beckinsale

The Underworld actress took the plunge and went full blonde, while also debuting a short bob haircut.

Riley Keough

The Daisy Jones & The Six actress debuted jet-black hair on Nov. 2.

Eva Longoria

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Miley Cyrus

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Kate Middleton

The royal recently showed off her new curtain bangs during a public appearance on Sept. 27.

Megan Fox

The actress recently debuted a bright red hair color and equally bold blunt bob haircut.

Cara Delevingne

The supermodel debuted a punk-rock hairstyle at Vogue's World Show during London Fashion Week on Sept. 14

Brittany Snow

The Pitch Perfect star made a drastic hair change, going from dark brunette tresses to a bright blonde look.

Hayden Panettiere

The Scream actress debuted a bubblegum pink style in August 2023.

Brooklyn Beckham

The son of David Beckham and Victoria Beckham got his head shaved by Selena Gomez's little sister, Gracie Teefey, in August 2023.

Jennifer Love Hewitt

The Can't Hardly Wait actress showed off her drastic hair change, debuting dark red hair and a blunt bob haircut.

Jennifer Lopez

The Second Act star unveiled bright blonde highlights in a new selfie.

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