Aaron Sorkin to Direct a Timely Sequel Exploring the Dark Side of Facebook
Fifteen years after the Oscar-winning The Social Network captivated global audiences, its long-awaited sequel is officially in development. Screenwriter and now director Aaron Sorkin is returning to helm the new film, titled The Social Network Part II. This time, the narrative pivots from Facebook’s inception to its most controversial and consequential chapters. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the screenplay is inspired by The Facebook Files, a revealing investigative series by The Wall Street Journal.
Produced under Sony Pictures, the film aims to shine a light on internal company reports and whistleblower revelations. The sequel will explore how Meta allegedly ignored internal warnings about the psychological harm its platforms cause, particularly to teenagers, and its role in amplifying misinformation across global politics.
Early Casting Discussions Suggest Jeremy Strong May Portray Mark Zuckerberg
Casting buzz surrounding The Social Network Part II has already sparked intense speculation. According to Deadline and Variety, three high-profile names are currently being considered for major roles. Among them, Emmy-winning actor Jeremy Strong is reportedly the frontrunner to take over the role of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Jesse Eisenberg, who portrayed Zuckerberg in the original 2010 film, has publicly declined to return.
Strong, known for his performance as Kendall Roy in HBO’s Succession, has neither confirmed nor denied his involvement. However, insiders say he is in preliminary talks. If finalized, Strong would bring a more introspective and possibly more controversial portrayal of Zuckerberg, reflecting the tech founder’s evolution over the past decade.
Mikey Madison and Jeremy Allen White Also Eyed for Key Supporting Roles
In addition to Strong, two other rising stars are reportedly in negotiations for pivotal characters. Mikey Madison, recently praised for her role in Anora, may portray Frances Haugen, the Facebook whistleblower who leaked thousands of internal documents in 2021.
Also in talks is Jeremy Allen White, the Emmy-winning star of FX’s The Bear, who may step into the role of Jeff Horwitz, the Wall Street Journal investigative journalist who led the Facebook Files reporting.
No official offers have been confirmed by the studio. However, sources close to the production say that these actors represent the creative vision Sorkin is pursuing for the film: a grounded, journalistic tone paired with dynamic performances.
Plot to Examine Facebook’s Internal Failures, Public Fallout, and Global Consequences
While the original Social Network focused on Facebook’s creation, this sequel shifts the lens toward the platform’s systemic flaws and societal impact. The new film reportedly delves into how Facebook (now Meta) allegedly prioritized engagement metrics over user safety—despite internal evidence showing the damage caused to young users.
The script will also investigate the company’s role in enabling misinformation, conspiracy theory spread, and potential influence over the January 6 Capitol riots. These topics, drawn directly from internal research and public congressional testimony, frame the narrative as a corporate thriller rooted in real-world consequences.
Aaron Sorkin confirmed that the new direction aims to hold tech power accountable. “There’s more story to tell—one that has real weight,” Sorkin shared during an industry panel earlier this year.
Production Timeline Is in Early Stages; No Release Date Confirmed Yet
As of August 2025, The Social Network Part II is in active development. Sony Pictures has greenlit the project, and Sorkin is reportedly finalizing the script before official casting announcements are made. No filming dates have been confirmed, and a release timeline remains speculative.
Despite the early stage, industry analysts predict a 2026 release if pre-production wraps by early next year. Given the original film’s critical acclaim and continued cultural relevance, the sequel is expected to generate major awards-season buzz once released.