The Social NetworkPart IIis actually happening, but it may have to recast Mark Zuckerberg first. The beloved original film famously featured Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg, and while this is considered to be one of the actor’s best performances, someone else may be playing the Facebook founder in the sequel.
2010’sThe Social Networkwas directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin, the latter of whom has repeatedly shared his interest in writing a sequel. After years of little movement,Sorkin finally announced that the secondSocial Networkis in developmentin June 2025. While the movie is still a ways off, big news is already dropping, including the status of Eisenberg’s return.
According to Sorkin,The Social Network 2is based on the 2021Wall Street Journalarticles known asThe Facebook Files, focusing on Facebook’s connections to the 2020 election. According to rumors,Mikey Madison and Jeremy Allen White are being eyed for roles, possibly playing Frances Haugen and Jeff Horwitz, respectively.
Despite Sorkin writing and directing the sequel,Eisenberg may not return to play Mark ZuckerberginThe Social Network Part II. Reportedly, Eisenberg passed on the opportunity, although there is speculation that this could be “a negotiating tactic.” It isn’t known why he has declined to return, but Sorkin already has his eyes set on another actor.
Jeremy Strong is reportedly in the running to replace Eisenberg in the sequel, although a deal hasn’t officially been made.Strong is coming hot off the success ofSuccession, something that proves that he could play a character involved in a story like Facebook’s. This casting change would make the movie more of a spiritual successor than a direct sequel.
Jesse Eisenberg Not Returning For The Social Network 2 Makes The “Sequel” Less Exciting
While Strong is great, a follow-up toThe Social Networkis a lot less exciting without Eisenberg.His performance is what made the first movie so great, with him bringing an incredible level of snark and ego to the role. It is hard to see Strong pulling off this same level of quick wit and awkwardness, especially in a way that is in-line with Eisenberg’s performance in the first film.
David Fincher not returning already hurt hopes for the sequel, and the lack of Eisenberg makes things even worse. It’s hard not to feel that this movie will be a sequel in name only, and might lose the very things that made the original so memorable. While Sorkin will probably develop a good script, it might be best to remain cautiously optimistic aboutThe Social Network Part IIfor now.
