Fans have been left baffled at the prospect of an actor replacing star Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg in the sequel to The Social Network.
They’ve called the move ‘odd’ and questioned its impact on the film’s success.
There’s been a flurry of reports regarding a sequel to the 2010 Oscar-winning movie about the birth of social media platform Facebook and its founder.
In June, it was said that original writer Aaron Sorkin had found the right angle for the second movie after teasing the possibility for years and was confirmed to direct it as well, replacing original director David Fincher.
According to Deadline, insiders revealed its title was currently The Social Network Part II although it was ‘not a straight sequel’ to the first movie, which also featured actors Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Max Minghella and Armie Hammer.
Since then, the publication has reported that Sorkin is also keen to cast this year’s best actress Academy Award winner Mikey Madison, from Anora, and The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White, who will soon be seen in the lead role in Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me from Nowhere.
But the latest report reveals that Succession star Jeremy Strong is being eyed by Sorkin to play Zuckerberg, whose company has rebranded as Meta, having had a meeting with the filmmaker.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, a source claimed that A Real Pain star and scribe Eisenberg – who was nominated for an Oscar for his work in the first film – had ‘passed, at least at this time’ on the opportunity to reprise the role.
‘As much as I love Jeremy Strong he needs to pass on this. This will not help his career. Without Eisenberg, they should cancel this or find a way into the story without Zuckerberg as a character,’ announced @WhereIsBatman89 on X, while another fan insisted: ‘Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg or this movie is dead on arrival.’
‘We do not want him. Bring Jesse back,’ commented Poppy, while @DxTCinema asked: ‘Why why why we want Jesse.’
Meanwhile fan Chandler called the casting rumour ‘odd’ and others shared their confusion over a lack of immediate similarity in Strong’s and Zuckerberg’s looks.
‘Ah yes that’s perfect they look like twins,’ quipped Michael K, while Joelyn added: ‘The resemblance is uncanny.’
But others were thrilled at the prospect of Strong, who also impressed with his turn as Donald Trump’s ruthless mentor Roy Cohn in The Apprentice – for which he was Oscar nominated for best supporting actor.
‘YUP let’s go. His Oscar is loading,’ tweeted Mikayla Davis, with Abhinav adding: ‘This cast is WILD. If the script hits, we’re looking at another awards season sweep.’
‘Trying to be calm about this but Jeremy Strong as Mark Zuckerberg is one of the most insane casting coups in history, like we need to give them an Oscar for even thinking about this,’ enthused @paaarth319.
The Social Network Part II will focus on Facebook’s role in the light of the spreading of misinformation ahead of the attempted coup on January 6, 2021 in America, as well as its impact on its young users and violence, and in countries beyond the US too.
It’s understood Madison, if she accepts the role, would play whistleblower Frances Haugen, the data engineer who went to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Wall Street Journal.
White would be former WSJ tech reporter Jeff Horwitz, who wrote the publication’s explosive Facebook Files series of articles based on her information.
There was also recognition that Strong could be in contention for a role other than that of Zuckerberg, as there is said to be a part available as a WSJ editor too.
Metro has contacted reps for Jeremy Strong and Jesse Eisenberg for comment.
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