Washington DC [US], June 27: Fans of The Social Network have reason to celebrate — a sequel to the acclaimed 2010 film is officially in the works. Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, who penned the original, has written the new screenplay and will take the director’s chair this time, according to Variety.
The sequel draws inspiration from The Facebook Files, a series of investigative articles published by the Wall Street Journal in 2021 and authored by Jeff Horwitz. These articles delve deeper into Facebook’s internal practices and controversies, shedding new light on the tech giant’s operations.
While Jesse Eisenberg played Mark Zuckerberg in the original film, casting for the upcoming sequel has yet to be confirmed. The project is currently in development and is being produced by Todd Black, Peter Rice, Aaron Sorkin, and Stuart Besser.
The original film, directed by David Fincher, was both a critical and commercial success. It grossed $226 million worldwide and received eight Academy Award nominations, winning three — including Best Adapted Screenplay for Sorkin. The film was based on Ben Mezrich’s book The Accidental Billionaires.
Sorkin had hinted at the possibility of a sequel as early as 2021, expressing that the evolution of Facebook warranted further cinematic exploration. Initially, he suggested the sequel would move forward only if Fincher returned to direct. However, Sorkin has since taken on that responsibility himself.
In public comments, Sorkin has criticized Facebook’s role in promoting divisive content for engagement. He noted, “There’s supposed to be a constant tension at Facebook between growth and integrity. There isn’t. It’s just growth.”
Sorkin is known for other acclaimed screenplays such as Moneyball, Molly’s Game, and The Trial of the Chicago 7.
The Social Network also featured notable performances by Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake.