Latest news with #TheSocialNetworkPartII
The Hindu
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Aaron Sorkin to write and direct ‘The Social Network Part II' at Sony, inspired by ‘The Facebook Files'
Sony Pictures has confirmed that Aaron Sorkin will return to the world of Facebook with The Social Network Part II, a follow-up to the 2010 Oscar-winning drama. While being referred to as a sequel, sources indicate the new project will not be a direct continuation but rather a thematic successor focusing on the platform's evolution and broader societal impact. Sorkin, who won an Academy Award for his screenplay for The Social Network, will both write and direct the new film. The project is being produced by Todd Black, Peter Rice, Stuart Besser, and Sorkin himself. The screenplay draws from The Facebook Files, a series of investigative reports published by The Wall Street Journal in 2021. Written by Jeff Horwitz, the articles uncovered internal documents exposing Facebook's knowledge of the platform's harmful effects — from mental health issues among teens to political violence and misinformation in global markets. Though Sorkin had previously expressed interest in revisiting Facebook's story, it wasn't until recent events, including the January 6 Capitol riot, that he found a new direction. However, insiders emphasise that the new film is not centered on the January 6 attack. Instead, it will take a broader look at Facebook's role in global society, particularly its influence on youth, its role in political discourse, and the consequences of its algorithm-driven ecosystem. David Fincher, who directed the original film, is not attached to the new project. Sorkin, now more experienced behind the camera following Molly's Game, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Being the Ricardos, will take the helm. Casting details remain under wraps, and no production date has been set. It is unclear whether Jesse Eisenberg will reprise his role as Mark Zuckerberg, though industry speculation suggests his involvement is likely.
San Francisco Chronicle
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Get ready for ‘The Social Network II,' a sequel Facebook doesn't want you to see
Aaron Sorkin says he is writing and directing a sequel to ' The Social Network,' the Silicon Valley-set 2010 film about the founding of Facebook that won the prolific screenwriter an Oscar for best adapted screenplay. Tentatively titled 'The Social Network Part II,' the movie will be based on a series of articles published in the Wall Street Journal in 2021 called 'The Facebook Files.' The reporting revealed that the social media company, headquartered in Menlo Park and now called Meta, was aware of the harm that Facebook and its sister app Instagram could cause to teenagers. It also found that company leaders knew about the apps' role in spreading disinformation that could incite political violence, but continued to prioritize profits instead. Sorkin reportedly struggled for years to write the sequel to the Oscar-nominated film, which earned eight nods and won for Trent Reznor's score and Kirk Baxter's editing. He finally found inspiration following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, which he blames partly on Facebook, according to Deadline. The new film is expected to address not just the 2020 election but also Facebook's affect on teens, preteens, violence and countries outside the U.S. 'The Social Network,' directed by David Fincher, starred Jesse Eisenberg as Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Andrew Garfield as co-founder Eduardo Saverin — roles that vaulted both actors to stardom. In 2024, the film was selected for preservation by the Library of Congress National Film Registry for its 'cultural, historical, and aesthetic contributions.' Sorkin, creator of the hit television series ' The West Wing ' (1999-2006), has turned to directing in recent years with such films as ' Molly's Game ' (2017), ' The Trial of the Chicago 7 ' (2020) and ' Being the Ricardos ' (2021).
Business Insider
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Aaron Sorkin will direct a sequel to 'The Social Network' inspired by The Facebook Files
Aaron Sorkin is returning for a sequel to his Oscar-winning film, "The Social Network." A source familiar with the project confirmed to Business Insider that Sorkin will work with Sony Pictures to write and direct "The Social Network Part II," inspired by The Wall Street Journal's 2021 investigative series, The Facebook Files. The entertainment news platform Deadline was the first to report on the sequel. While the 2010 film chronicled Facebook's founding, the source confirmed to BI that the new sequel will examine the tech giant's societal impact on youth mental health and misinformation and touch on the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Sorkin, who won an Academy Award for his screenplay for the original film, will write and direct the new installment. Sorkin, Todd Black, Peter Rice, and Stuart Besser are also producers on the project. The first " The Social Network," directed by David Fincher, was a critical and commercial hit. It grossed over $226 million globally and won three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay. The film also launched careers for Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Armie Hammer. Eisenberg earned an Oscar nomination for portraying Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Since its release, Sorkin has floated the idea of a follow-up on multiple occasions, but no details ever materialized. Sorkin also said in April that he blames "Facebook for January 6" during an interview with journalist Matt Belloni on "The Town" podcast. The Journal's Facebook Files series is based on thousands of pages of internal documents leaked by whistleblower Frances Haugen, a former product manager at Facebook. The documents obtained by The Journal revealed that Facebook (now Meta) knew about the harmful effects of its platforms, including Instagram, and downplayed the negative consequences. Sorkin's recent directing credits include "Molly's Game," " The Trial of the Chicago 7", and " Being the Ricardos." Casting is still in early stages, and the production timeline has yet to be finalized, but momentum could pick up fast with the film's coveted roles. It is also unclear whether Eisenberg will return.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘The Social Network' Sequel in the Works, Directed by Aaron Sorkin
Aaron Sorkin is not finished telling the Facebook story. The Academy Award winner is developing 'The Social Network Part II' at Sony Pictures. Sorkin has written a screenplay and is set to direct the follow-up to the 2010 film 'The Social Network,' helmed by David Fincher, which chronicled the creation and early days of Facebook, which has grown to become the world's largest social network. Sorkin's sequel is based on the Wall Street Journal's 'The Facebook Files,' a series of articles authored by Jeff Horowitz and published in October 2021, which further exposed the inner workings of the company. More from Variety Jesse Eisenberg Says 'I Don't Want to Think of Myself as Associated' With Mark Zuckerberg: He's 'Doing Things That Are Problematic' and 'I'm Concerned' Aaron Sorkin Praises Pamela Anderson's 'Last Showgirl' Performance Amid Oscar Buzz: 'One Scene After Another, She Keeps Astonishing Us' 'Social Network,' 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' and 'Dirty Dancing' Among Movies Added to National Film Registry Jesse Eisenberg starred as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in 'The Social Network,' but casting has yet to be announced for the sequel. Part 2 is in development with Todd Black, Peter Rice, Sorkin and Stuart Besser producing. The original film was a critical and commercial hit, earning $226 million at the global box office and nominated for eight Academy Awards, including best picture. Sorkin's win for best adapted screenplay (the film was loosely based on Ben Mezrich's 'The Accidental Billionaires' was one of three Oscars the film ultimately took home. In recent years, Sorkin has stated his intentions of making a sequel. He started floating the idea in 2021, saying, 'what has been going on with Facebook these last few years is a story very much worth telling,' but around this time, he maintained that a sequel to the movie would move forward is if David Fincher agrees to direct it. Then, during a live recording of 'The Town' podcast last year, Sorkin confirmed that he'd begun writing about the social media company's recent dealings. 'I blame Facebook for January 6,' Sorkin said, though he would not answer why he blamed Facebook for Trump supporters storming the U.S. Capitol. Instead, he teased: 'You're going to need to buy a movie ticket.' Sorkin was more forthcoming about what he was trying to write about, saying: 'Facebook has been, among other things, tuning its algorithm to promote the most divisive material possible. Because that is what will increase engagement. That is what will get you to — what they call inside the hallways of Facebook — 'the infinite scroll' … There's supposed to be a constant tension at Facebook between growth and integrity. There isn't. It's just growth.' Deadline was first to report news of the forthcoming project. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Aaron Sorkin to write and direct ‘The Social Network Part II' at Sony
Sony Pictures is officially developing The Social Network Part II, with Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin set to write and direct the follow-up to his 2010 hit. While not a direct sequel, the new film will explore the next chapter of Facebook's evolution, inspired by the Wall Street Journal's 2021 investigative series The Facebook Files. The original Social Network, directed by David Fincher, chronicled the creation of Facebook and earned $226 million globally along with eight Oscar nominations. Sorkin won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. This time, he will also helm the project, following his recent directing credits on Molly's Game, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Being the Ricardos. Produced by Todd Black, Peter Rice, Stuart Besser, and Sorkin himself, the film will tackle themes such as Facebook's influence on youth, international politics, misinformation, and the 2020 U.S. election. Though inspired partly by the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riot, sources clarify this is not a 'January 6 movie.' Casting has yet to begin, but industry insiders anticipate high demand for roles, given the original film's star-making impact on actors like Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield. It remains unclear whether Eisenberg will reprise his role as Mark Zuckerberg. With development deals secured, Sorkin will now focus on assembling the cast. A production timeline has not been announced. Sorkin is represented by WME.
