Prepare yourself to delve into the world of the affluent (or more specifically, Mark Zuckerberg), as we are officially getting a continuation of the Facebook origin tale, The Social Network. 

Speculation about a sequel to the 2010 original — which depicts the inception and rapid ascent of Facebook — has been confirmed by Deadline. The original screenwriter, Aaron Sorkin , is reportedly set to return as both the writer and director of this new installment. 

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What will The Social Network Part II explore?

According to reports, the forthcoming film is titled The Social Network Part II (not The Social-er Network?), but it won't be a direct sequel; rather, it's described as a “follow-up to the original,” according to an insider. 

Sorkin has also directed Molly’s Game and Being The Ricardos. (Image source: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

While this concept might seem as confusing as a Facebook bot, it is known that the not-quite-sequel will delve into The Facebook Files, a compelling series of articles penned by Jeff Horowitz for the Wall Street Journal in 2021. 

These articles scrutinized the internal workings of Facebook, the harm it causes, and the company's internal attempts to conceal these findings. Quite intriguing! Regarding the specific damages Facebook has caused (beyond being a space for estranged family members to rant), Sorkin has hinted at what might be central to the sequel’s narrative on several occasions. 

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Last year, the writer-director remarked that he “blame[s] Facebook for January 6,” referencing the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in 2021. 

When asked to elaborate, Sorkin stated that audiences will “need to buy a movie ticket,” and discussed how Facebook is “tuning its algorithm to promote the most divisive material possible because that is what boosts engagement.”

Despite these previous statements, sources suggest The Social Network Part II is not solely a January 6 film, but will also explore the platform’s effects on teenagers and preteens.

Zucc squared. (Image source: Instagram and Sony Pictures Releasing)

Who will star in The Social Network Part II?

It remains unclear whether Jesse Eisenberg, who played Zuckerberg in the original film, will reprise his role in the sequel. However, there are whispers about which other A-List actors might join the cast.

The Hollywood Reporter claims that Sorkin has held discussions with Oscar winner Mikey Madison and The Bear star Jeremy Allen White regarding potential roles in the film. The publication speculates that Madison could portray Frances Haugen, the whistleblower who disclosed information to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Wall Street Journal about the Facebook Files.

White may be considered for the role of the former WSJ tech reporter who spearheaded the reporting on the Facebook Files.

Variety reports that Jeremy Strong is being considered for the role of Marky Z himself, and I’m eagerly anticipating seeing my Succession villain with a perm and a gold chain!

He enjoys portraying insufferable characters. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

The Social Network was directed by David Fincher and won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. 

Zuckerberg himself wasn’t particularly pleased with the film, describing it as “weird” upon its release. 

Weird, like challenging another billionaire to a cage match?

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Starting a petition for that remarkably odd saga to be included in The Social Network Part II right now.

Lead image: Getty Images