Robert Downey Jr. recently began work on his new series The Sympathizer, which has required him to look nothing like Iron Man.
The Marvel star is set to take on multiple roles in the new HBO series, including that of a Hollywood director, as well as a congressman and CIA operative.
In the on-set photo, Downey Jr is made up to look significantly older, wearing a curly orange wig as part of his role.
The Sympathizer is based on the 2015 novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen, and focuses on a spy in Vietnam during the final days of the conflict, who later goes on to serve as a cultural advisor in movies such as Apocalypse Now and Platoon.
The series will also star Killing Eve’s Sandra Oh in a recurring role, alongside actors Kieu Chinh and Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen.
Speaking previously about the project, Downey Jr said:
“Adapting Mr Nguyen’s important and masterful work requires a visionary team.
“With director (Park Chan-wook, The Vengeance Trilogy) at the helm, I expect this to be a creative producing adventure for Susan, me and Team Downey, and a stimulating process for myself in playing these complex supporting roles.
“A24 and HBO are the perfect combination of partners and co-parents. It’s exactly the type of challenge I’ve been craving, and I believe we will deliver an exceptional viewing experience to our audience.”
It was reported in November that the 57-year-old actor will play “multiple supporting roles as the main antagonists, all of whom represent a different arm of the American establishment,” with the actor confirming in a December interview that he “plays literally five different roles.”
Downey Jr. prepped for his new look in October when he asked his kids Exton and Avri to shave his head. He posted a cute video of the procedure on Instagram. He also wore a burgundy windbreaker jacket, a pink buttoned-down shirt, and navy blue pants.
Many fans were surprised by the actor’s new look, as he was nearly unrecognizable in the wig and makeup. However, Downey’s dedication to his craft is evident in his willingness to undergo such a drastic transformation for the role.