What's Inside?
- Emmy-winner Jeremy Strong is in talks to portray Zuckerberg, stepping into the role left vacant by Jesse Eisenberg.
- Aaron Sorkin returns to write, direct, and produce a sequel focused on Facebook's modern impact and ethical controversies.
- Inspired by The Facebook Files, the sequel tackles misinformation, teen mental health, and the platform’s role in recent political unrest.
More than a decade after The Social Network captivated audiences with its sharply written portrayal of Facebook’s turbulent origins, the much-anticipated sequel is taking shape, with one unexpected twist. Jesse Eisenberg, whose Oscar-nominated turn as Mark Zuckerberg helped define the first film, is not returning. Instead, Emmy-winning actor Jeremy Strong is now reportedly in talks to portray the controversial tech mogul in The Social Network Part II, marking a bold shift in direction for the upcoming film.
Jeremy Strong in Talks to Replace Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg in ‘The Social Network Part II’
According to Deadline, Jeremy Strong has emerged as Sony’s top choice to play Zuckerberg in the The Social Network sequel, which is being written, directed, and produced by Aaron Sorkin, the Oscar-winning scribe behind the original. Although no official offer has been made yet, the buzz surrounding Strong’s potential casting is gaining traction. The actor, best known for his role as Kendall Roy in HBO’s Succession, has built a reputation for disappearing into emotionally layered, often tormented characters. His work has earned him top industry accolades, including a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe.
The potential cast of ‘THE SOCIAL NETWORK 2’
• Mikey Madison as Frances Haugen, who disclosed Facebook’s documents in 2021.
• Jeremy Allen White as Jeff Horwitz, the reporter who investigated on the Facebook files.
• Jeremy Strong Strong as Mark Zuckerberg.… pic.twitter.com/53BFxsvWus
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) July 31, 2025
The sequel won’t simply pick up where the original left off. Instead, it will dive into the modern-day chaos that has surrounded Zuckerberg and his company in recent years. As Sorkin returns to expand the narrative, The Social Network Part II will reportedly examine the social media platform’s far-reaching consequences, including its role in political polarization, misinformation, and the mental health toll on younger audiences.
Much of the sequel is expected to be inspired by The Wall Street Journal‘s 2021 exposé series The Facebook Files, which offered an unprecedented look at the company’s inner workings. Strong’s reported co-stars include Anora’s Mikey Madison, said to be in talks to play whistleblower Frances Haugen, and The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White, who is linked to the role of journalist Jeff Horowitz—the reporter behind the WSJ series.
A Controversial Casting and a Sequel with New Priorities
Jeremy Strong’s age- he’s 46- has raised eyebrows, given that Zuckerberg was in his late 30s during the timeline explored in the sequel. However, the actor’s intense, method-driven performances often transcend simple physical resemblance. Casting Strong could signal that the film is aiming for psychological depth over exact visual authenticity. Known for his immersive approach to roles, Strong’s recent credits include The Trial of the Chicago 7, Armageddon Time, and a widely praised turn as Roy Cohn in The Apprentice, which earned him an Oscar nod despite the film’s troubled distribution.
As for Eisenberg, his decision to step away from the role has added another layer of intrigue. Despite his acclaimed performance, the actor has grown distant from the figure he once portrayed, describing Zuckerberg as “problematic.” Meanwhile, Andrew Garfield—who played Eduardo Saverin—has shown interest in revisiting the universe but admitted it’s unlikely he’d return as the same character.
While the first film was framed around the founding of Facebook, the sequel promises to tell a very different story. Sorkin’s new script will tackle the company’s darker evolution—from a social innovation to a platform often at the center of ethical and societal debate. No production or release dates have been confirmed yet, but the project is already stirring buzz in Hollywood and among fans of the original.
With Strong potentially stepping into the shoes once filled by Eisenberg, The Social Network Part II appears poised to deliver not just a continuation but a recalibration of the narrative. The question now isn’t whether this sequel will matter, but how deeply it will cut into the complexities of power, accountability, and digital influence in the 21st century.
The Social Network is currently streaming on Paramount+.
