Washington D.C. [US], July 31: Fifteen years after its critical and commercial success, a sequel to the acclaimed film The Social Network is finally moving forward. Fans eagerly awaiting new developments are buzzing with reports that The Bear star Jeremy Allen White and Oscar winner Mikey Madison are being considered for the lead roles in the upcoming film, according to Deadline.
While no formal offers have been extended to either actor, it’s understood that Aaron Sorkin, who is set to write and direct the sequel, has them as his top choices. The original 2010 film, directed by David Fincher and based on Ben Mezrich’s The Accidental Billionaires, chronicled the founding of Facebook and earned Jesse Eisenberg an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg. The sequel’s plot will shift focus from the company’s origin to its later impact.
Plot Details and New Characters
Sorkin’s screenplay for the new movie will reportedly delve into the story behind The Wall Street Journal’s “The Facebook Files” by Jeff Horwitz. This explosive series of articles, published in October 2021, exposed the inner workings and numerous harms caused by the world’s largest social network.
Ideally, Jeremy Allen White is being eyed to play Horwitz, the Wall Street Journal reporter. Mikey Madison, fresh off her Oscar-winning role in Neon Pictures’ Anora, is a strong contender to portray the whistleblower who provided the internal documents for the investigative series.
Sorkin has previously expressed interest in a follow-up to The Social Network, but it wasn’t until the events of January 6, 2021, when the U.S. Capitol was attacked, that he found a compelling new angle. He stated in an interview last year that he believes Facebook played a part in these events, suggesting a broader exploration of the platform’s societal influence, including its impact on teens and the spread of misinformation.
Potential Cast and Industry Buzz
The announcement of the sequel has generated significant buzz in Hollywood, with talent reportedly eager to meet with Sorkin given the original film’s impact on its ensemble cast.
One of the biggest questions remains whether Jesse Eisenberg will reprise his role as Mark Zuckerberg. While Eisenberg’s performance in the first film was highly praised, sources indicate that his return is currently unclear. The makers have not yet revealed who would take on the role of Zuckerberg if Eisenberg does not return.
For Mikey Madison, this project would mark her first major studio role since her Oscar win for Anora. Meanwhile, Jeremy Allen White, celebrated for his work in The Bear, is also slated to star as Bruce Springsteen in the biopic Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, further cementing his rising profile in Hollywood.
The original The Social Network was a critical and box office success, grossing $226 million globally and receiving eight Oscar nominations, winning three, including Best Adapted Screenplay for Sorkin.