Latest news with #TheSocialNetworkPartII
Metro
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Fans bewildered by actor 'set to replace' Jesse Eisenberg in Social Network 2
Fans have been left baffled at the prospect of an actor replacing star Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg in the sequel to The Social Network. They've called the move 'odd' and questioned its impact on the film's success. There's been a flurry of reports regarding a sequel to the 2010 Oscar-winning movie about the birth of social media platform Facebook and its founder. In June, it was said that original writer Aaron Sorkin had found the right angle for the second movie after teasing the possibility for years and was confirmed to direct it as well, replacing original director David Fincher. According to Deadline, insiders revealed its title was currently The Social Network Part II although it was 'not a straight sequel' to the first movie, which also featured actors Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Max Minghella and Armie Hammer. Since then, the publication has reported that Sorkin is also keen to cast this year's best actress Academy Award winner Mikey Madison, from Anora, and The Bear's Jeremy Allen White, who will soon be seen in the lead role in Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me from Nowhere. But the latest report reveals that Succession star Jeremy Strong is being eyed by Sorkin to play Zuckerberg, whose company has rebranded as Meta, having had a meeting with the filmmaker. As per The Hollywood Reporter, a source claimed that A Real Pain star and scribe Eisenberg – who was nominated for an Oscar for his work in the first film – had 'passed, at least at this time' on the opportunity to reprise the role. 'As much as I love Jeremy Strong he needs to pass on this. This will not help his career. Without Eisenberg, they should cancel this or find a way into the story without Zuckerberg as a character,' announced @WhereIsBatman89 on X, while another fan insisted: 'Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg or this movie is dead on arrival.' 'We do not want him. Bring Jesse back,' commented Poppy, while @DxTCinema asked: 'Why why why we want Jesse.' Meanwhile fan Chandler called the casting rumour 'odd' and others shared their confusion over a lack of immediate similarity in Strong's and Zuckerberg's looks. 'Ah yes that's perfect they look like twins,' quipped Michael K, while Joelyn added: 'The resemblance is uncanny.' But others were thrilled at the prospect of Strong, who also impressed with his turn as Donald Trump's ruthless mentor Roy Cohn in The Apprentice – for which he was Oscar nominated for best supporting actor. 'YUP let's go. His Oscar is loading,' tweeted Mikayla Davis, with Abhinav adding: 'This cast is WILD. If the script hits, we're looking at another awards season sweep.' 'Trying to be calm about this but Jeremy Strong as Mark Zuckerberg is one of the most insane casting coups in history, like we need to give them an Oscar for even thinking about this,' enthused @paaarth319. The Social Network Part II will focus on Facebook's role in the light of the spreading of misinformation ahead of the attempted coup on January 6, 2021 in America, as well as its impact on its young users and violence, and in countries beyond the US too. More Trending It's understood Madison, if she accepts the role, would play whistleblower Frances Haugen, the data engineer who went to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Wall Street Journal. White would be former WSJ tech reporter Jeff Horwitz, who wrote the publication's explosive Facebook Files series of articles based on her information. There was also recognition that Strong could be in contention for a role other than that of Zuckerberg, as there is said to be a part available as a WSJ editor too. Metro has contacted reps for Jeremy Strong and Jesse Eisenberg for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Fast and Furious villain warns they're 'ready to go' for final sequel appearance MORE: Terrifying trailer drops for horror sequel to 'the scariest franchise to ever exist' MORE: Comedy that made critics 'laugh until it hurts' earns surprise 91% on Rotten Tomatoes
Daily Mirror
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
The Social Network star Jesse Eisenberg's possible replacement amid sequel casting upset
A sequel to the 2010 Mark Zuckerberg biopic is in the works David Fincher's 2010 biopic The Social Network followed the story of how Facebook came to be, with Jesse Eisenberg portraying Harvard sophomore-turned-tech CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The film won three Oscars in 2011 having been nominated in a whopping eight categories, and propelled its relatively young cast to superstardom. Among those who starred in the film was a young Dakota Johnson, Armie Hammer and Andrew Garfield, with singer Justin Timberlake even taking on the role of Napster founder Sean Parker. A sequel, The Social Network Part II, is currently in development helmed by Aaron Sorkin which is set to take place years after the last left off. It is expected to explore the story behind a series of articles published by The Wall Street Journal which investigated a darker side of the social media platform. However, who exactly will play the titular role of Zuckerberg remains up in the air, as according to The Hollywood Reporter, Eisenberg has no plans to be in it. While there are suggestions his rebuttal could be a negotiating tactic, there is reportedly another huge star in talks for the position. Deadline reports that Succession star Jeremy Strong could portray the Facebook founder and META CEO, suggesting that he is currently the frontrunner. Anora star Mikey Madison and The Bear's breakout actor Jeremy Allen White could also be joining the cast, although no official announcements have yet been made. The pair could potentially portray two Facebook whistle-blowers. While fans eagerly await more sequel news, The Social Network is currently available to stream on Netflix. The film boasts an impressive 96 per cent critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, and an equally strong 87 per cent from audience scores. One bowled-over viewer described it as Fincher's "magnum opus", penning: "With an engaging dialogue-driven script from Aaron Sorkin, Facebook drama 'The Social Network' is still as relevant as ever just over 10 years from it's release given that we are truly in the age of the internet with the enormous power of social media and tech giants holding market power." Another fan of the film gushed: "Amazing movie, beautifully shot by David Fincher. Aaron Sorkin proves again that he is one of todays best writers. This movie contains some of the most complex characters ever put to screen."
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who will play Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network sequel after Jesse Eisenberg says no?
Who will play Mark Zuckerberg? About The Social Network Part 2 More than a decade after it redefined the tech biopic genre, The Social Network is coming back with a powerful new chapter. The 2010 Oscar-winning film, directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin, chronicled the dramatic rise of Facebook and its enigmatic founder, Mark Zuckerberg . Now, its highly anticipated follow-up promises to go deeper—into the darker, more controversial side of Silicon Valley. With casting buzz already swirling and new storylines surfacing, this sequel is already generating major heat in Jesse Eisenberg 's performance as Zuckerberg in the original earned critical acclaim, the actor has declined to return for the sequel. Taking his place—possibly—is Succession star Jeremy Strong . According to Deadline, Strong is in early negotiations to play the META CEO, although no official offer has been made yet. If finalised, the casting would mark a major shift in tone and energy, bringing Strong's intense screen presence into the heart of Silicon Valley's most prominent The Social Network Part II, the film is once again written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, and produced by Sony Pictures. It's described not as a direct sequel but as a continuation—a standalone film with thematic ties to the original. Alongside Strong, the cast is expected to feature The Bear star Jeremy Allen White and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood's Mikey Madison in pivotal time, the story will reportedly draw from The Facebook Files , a hard-hitting investigative series published by The Wall Street Journal in 2021 and written by journalist Jeff Horowitz. These reports exposed troubling internal practices at Facebook (now Meta), revealing how the platform knowingly allowed harmful content to thrive, affected teen mental health, and prioritised growth over safety. The sequel is expected to dig into these controversies, presenting a sharp critique of the company's moral decay post its explosive David Fincher returning to direct and Sorkin again handling the screenplay, The Social Network Part II is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated and talked-about films of the decade. The project is being produced by Todd Black, Peter Rice, Aaron Sorkin, and Stuart Besser.
Economic Times
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Who will play Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network sequel after Jesse Eisenberg says no?
The Social Network Part 2 is in the works, but who will portray Mark Zuckerberg in the sequel? (IMDb/Agencies) More than a decade after it redefined the tech biopic genre, The Social Network is coming back with a powerful new chapter. The 2010 Oscar-winning film, directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin, chronicled the dramatic rise of Facebook and its enigmatic founder, Mark Zuckerberg. Now, its highly anticipated follow-up promises to go deeper—into the darker, more controversial side of Silicon Valley. With casting buzz already swirling and new storylines surfacing, this sequel is already generating major heat in Hollywood. While Jesse Eisenberg's performance as Zuckerberg in the original earned critical acclaim, the actor has declined to return for the sequel. Taking his place—possibly—is Succession star Jeremy Strong. According to Deadline, Strong is in early negotiations to play the META CEO, although no official offer has been made yet. If finalised, the casting would mark a major shift in tone and energy, bringing Strong's intense screen presence into the heart of Silicon Valley's most prominent figure. Titled The Social Network Part II, the film is once again written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, and produced by Sony Pictures. It's described not as a direct sequel but as a continuation—a standalone film with thematic ties to the original. Alongside Strong, the cast is expected to feature The Bear star Jeremy Allen White and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood's Mikey Madison in pivotal roles. This time, the story will reportedly draw from The Facebook Files, a hard-hitting investigative series published by The Wall Street Journal in 2021 and written by journalist Jeff Horowitz. These reports exposed troubling internal practices at Facebook (now Meta), revealing how the platform knowingly allowed harmful content to thrive, affected teen mental health, and prioritised growth over safety. The sequel is expected to dig into these controversies, presenting a sharp critique of the company's moral decay post its explosive rise. With David Fincher returning to direct and Sorkin again handling the screenplay, The Social Network Part II is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated and talked-about films of the decade. The project is being produced by Todd Black, Peter Rice, Aaron Sorkin, and Stuart Besser.
Pink Villa
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
The Social Network Part II: Why Jesse Eisenberg Won't Return and Who Might Play Zuckerberg Now
Over a decade after The Social Network first hit theaters, a sequel is officially in the works. Titled The Social Network Part II, the movie is being written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, the screenwriter of the Oscar-winning 2010 film. Unlike the first movie, which focused on Facebook's founding, this follow-up will dive into the platform's more controversial years. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film will be based on The Facebook Files by The Wall Street Journal. The story will cover topics like misinformation on Meta platforms, the effects on teenagers, and the company's involvement in events leading up to the January 6 Capitol riot. Jeremy Strong may replace Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg Jesse Eisenberg, who famously portrayed Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg in the original Social Network movie, is not returning for the sequel. As per The Hollywood Reporter, Eisenberg passed on reprising the role. However, sources say this could be a 'negotiation tactic.' Eisenberg is now 41 years old and would need to play a version of Zuckerberg from at least a decade earlier. That may be a reason behind his decision to walk away from The Social Network 2. No official statement has been made by Eisenberg himself. Stepping into the role may be Succession actor Jeremy Strong, though no casting has been confirmed. Strong is 46, which makes him even older than Eisenberg. However, his performance in shows like Succession and films like The Trial of the Chicago 7 makes him a serious contender. His experience in The Apprentice, a film about a young Donald Trump, could also work in his favor. Here's what we know about the new cast and characters Deadline reports that The Bear actor Jeremy Allen White is in early talks to play Jeff Horwitz, the Wall Street Journal reporter who investigated Meta. Mikey Madison, known for Anora and Better Things, is reportedly being considered for the role of Frances Haugen, the Facebook whistleblower. No casting decisions have been made official yet. As of now, no actors have signed on to the project, and no offers have been confirmed. The Social Network Part II is currently in development. The film does not yet have an official release date. It was announced in June 2025 and is expected to be set around 2021, the time The Facebook Files were published. The new film will focus on the internal operations of Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook. It aims to highlight how Facebook allegedly ignored internal warnings about its impact on mental health and democracy.
