Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin is officially developing a sequel to The Social Network, the acclaimed 2010 film chronicling the creation of Facebook. The new project is being developed by Sony Pictures, although it is not considered a traditional sequel. Rather, it aims to explore the more recent and controversial chapters in the story of the social media giant. While David Fincher directed the original film, there is speculation that Sorkin himself may take the director’s chair this time around.
Sequel Explores Facebook’s Harmful Influence on Politics, Society, and Mental Health Worldwide
The sequel will shift its focus from Facebook’s founding to its broader societal implications. The story will draw from The Facebook Files, a 2021 investigative series by The Wall Street Journal that delved into Facebook’s internal operations and the consequences of its algorithmic practices. The investigation exposed how the platform often prioritized divisive content, raising concerns about its influence on events like the January 6 Capitol riot and its negative effects on teen mental health.
Aaron Sorkin Developing Social Network Sequel Focused on Facebook’s Global ControversiesAaron Sorkin has made his criticisms of Facebook clear, particularly regarding its role in political unrest and social division. During a 2024 appearance on The Town podcast, he directly blamed Facebook for the January 6 riot, emphasizing how the platform promotes extreme content to fuel engagement. He accused the company of lacking a genuine balance between growth and ethical responsibility, asserting that “there isn’t” any real tension between those priorities within the company.
Casting Uncertainty and Renewed Tensions Surround Sequel’s Direction and Zuckerberg’s Public Image
Although Jesse Eisenberg’s performance as Mark Zuckerberg in the original film was highly praised and earned him an Oscar nomination, his involvement in the sequel has not been confirmed. Eisenberg has recently focused on directing and will next appear in Now You See Me 3. With Sorkin potentially directing and the narrative scope expanding significantly, the sequel is expected to have a markedly different tone and direction from its predecessor.
The Social Network was a critical and commercial success, earning $224 million globally and winning three Academy Awards. Despite its accolades, Mark Zuckerberg has expressed discomfort with the film, claiming it misrepresented his motives even though it got many superficial details right. His recent comments reflect ongoing tensions between Facebook’s public image and how others, like Sorkin, portray it. The upcoming sequel promises to reignite these debates with a sharper focus on the platform’s global consequences.