The Social Network is getting a sequel, and it'll explore Facebook's societal impact
Aaron Sorkin is officially back in the Facebook business. The Oscar-winning screenwriter will write and direct " The Social Network Part II ," a follow-up to his 2010 hit that chronicled Mark Zuckerberg 's rise from Harvard dorm room to Silicon Valley titan.
But this isn't your typical sequel. Instead of picking up where the original left off, Sorkin's new film will tackle Facebook's role in some of America's most divisive recent events, including the January 6 Capitol riot. The project draws inspiration from The Wall Street Journal's explosive "Facebook Files" investigation, which revealed how the social media giant knew about its platforms' harmful effects but buried the findings.
Sorkin shifts focus from startup origins to societal fallout
The sequel will explore Facebook's algorithm-driven promotion of divisive content and its impact on teenage mental health, moving far beyond the startup story that made the original such a phenomenon. "I blame Facebook for January 6," Sorkin said last year, though he coyly added that audiences would "need to buy a movie ticket" to understand why.
Deadline reports that Sony Pictures is developing the project with Sorkin producing alongside Todd Black, Peter Rice, and Stuart Besser.
It's unclear whether Jesse Eisenberg will return as Zuckerberg, though it's hard to imagine a Facebook movie without its controversial founder appearing in some form. The original film launched careers and earned $226 million worldwide, winning three Oscars including Sorkin's trophy for Best Adapted Screenplay.
David Fincher won't be returning to direct this time around, but Sorkin has proven himself behind the camera with films like "Molly's Game" and "The Trial of the Chicago 7." With casting still in early stages, expect Hollywood's rising stars to fight hard for roles in what could be one of the most politically charged blockbusters in years.
But this isn't your typical sequel. Instead of picking up where the original left off, Sorkin's new film will tackle Facebook's role in some of America's most divisive recent events, including the January 6 Capitol riot. The project draws inspiration from The Wall Street Journal's explosive "Facebook Files" investigation, which revealed how the social media giant knew about its platforms' harmful effects but buried the findings.
Sorkin shifts focus from startup origins to societal fallout
The sequel will explore Facebook's algorithm-driven promotion of divisive content and its impact on teenage mental health, moving far beyond the startup story that made the original such a phenomenon. "I blame Facebook for January 6," Sorkin said last year, though he coyly added that audiences would "need to buy a movie ticket" to understand why.
Deadline reports that Sony Pictures is developing the project with Sorkin producing alongside Todd Black, Peter Rice, and Stuart Besser.
It's unclear whether Jesse Eisenberg will return as Zuckerberg, though it's hard to imagine a Facebook movie without its controversial founder appearing in some form. The original film launched careers and earned $226 million worldwide, winning three Oscars including Sorkin's trophy for Best Adapted Screenplay.
David Fincher won't be returning to direct this time around, but Sorkin has proven himself behind the camera with films like "Molly's Game" and "The Trial of the Chicago 7." With casting still in early stages, expect Hollywood's rising stars to fight hard for roles in what could be one of the most politically charged blockbusters in years.
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