Succession star tipped as favourite for Mark Zuckerberg recasting in The Social Network sequel
Jeremy Strong is reportedly the top choice to take on the role in Aaron Sorkin's follow-up film.
Aaron Sorkin's follow-up to The Social Network is taking shape, with Succession star Jeremy Strong reportedly the top choice to play Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in the film.
Zuckerberg was played by Jesse Eisenberg in the original movie, but it's been noted that The Social Network Part II will not be a straight sequel, and instead will tell another story about Facebook set years later.
Deadline reported the news that Strong is the top choice, although sources told the publication that no formal offer has been presented at this point.
This comes after Deadline also reported that Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison are top choices to lead the film, with White wanted for the role of journalist Jeff Horwitz, and Madison wanted to play the whistleblower behind a series of articles he wrote.
The articles in question are the Wall Street Journal‘s The Facebook Files, around which the new film is expected to centre. The files, which were published in October 2021, featured a series of accusations about the company's internal workings.
As well as Eisenberg, the original film also starred Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Brenda Song and Rashida Jones.
It was written by Sorkin and directed by David Fincher, and went on to win three Oscars, having been nominated for eight.
Fincher is not expected to return for Part II, with Sorkin instead also taking on directing duties. Films he has previously directed include Molly's Game, The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Being the Ricardos.
Earlier this year, Eisenberg told BBC's Today programme that he hasn't been following Zuckerberg's life trajectory, "partly because I don't want to think of myself as associated with somebody like that".
Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
