Great news for fans of Aaron Sorkin’s acclaimed 2010 film The Social Network: a follow-up project is officially in development at Sony Pictures. Titled The Social Network Part II or similar, this new film is confirmed to be spearheaded by Oscar-winning writer Aaron Sorkin, who will not only pen the script but also take on directing duties.
Sources close to the project emphasize that this is not a direct sequel picking up immediately where the original left off. Instead, it’s being framed as a “follow-up” or “spiritual successor” that delves into the significant evolution and controversial impact of Facebook in the years since the events depicted in the initial film.
Inspired by Investigative Journalism
While the original Social Network was based on Ben Mezrich’s book The Accidental Billionaires, the new project draws heavily from The Facebook Files, a 2021 investigative series published by The Wall Street Journal. This extensive report exposed a wealth of internal documents and findings, revealing the company’s alleged awareness of various harms caused by its platform, and suggesting these issues were sometimes downplayed or ignored internally.
Key themes expected to be explored in Sorkin’s film mirror those highlighted by The Facebook Files and subsequent events:
The platform’s influence on youth, particularly concerning mental health issues.
The spread of misinformation and its impact on societal discourse and global politics.
Connections between the platform and instances of violence.
The broader effects of Facebook’s algorithms, which Sorkin has critically claimed are sometimes “tuning… to promote the most divisive material possible.”
Sorkin’s Motivation and Perspective
Aaron Sorkin has been openly critical of Facebook’s impact in recent years, specifically linking the platform to major events like the January 6 Capitol riot. In 2024, he provocatively stated, “I blame Facebook for January 6,” adding, “You’re gonna need to buy a movie ticket” when pressed for details – a clear hint at his future cinematic intentions. He argues that the supposed tension between prioritizing “growth” and maintaining “integrity” at Facebook is, in his view, nonexistent. While Jan 6 is a notable inspiration, the film’s scope is expected to be broader, covering Facebook’s effects on various societal aspects globally.
Sorkin Takes the Director’s Chair
Unlike the first film, which was directed by David Fincher, Aaron Sorkin is set to direct this follow-up. Sorkin has gained considerable directing experience since 2010 with films like Molly’s Game, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Being the Ricardos. Producers on the project include Todd Black, Peter Rice, Stuart Besser, and Sorkin himself. Deals are reportedly closed, allowing Sorkin to now focus on assembling the cast.
Casting Anticipation
The original Social Network famously launched or significantly boosted the careers of its ensemble cast, including Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg and Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin. While no official casting announcements have been made, industry anticipation is high.
Jesse Eisenberg received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Zuckerberg, and while his involvement in the follow-up isn’t confirmed, it’s difficult to envision a narrative about Facebook’s later years without the central figure appearing in some capacity. Eisenberg recently directed the acclaimed film A Real Pain. Andrew Garfield has expressed openness to returning, though his character’s real-life trajectory (living privately in Singapore after his settlement with Facebook) may limit Eduardo Saverin’s role in a story focused on recent controversies.
The Legacy of the Original
The Social Network was a critical and commercial triumph, grossing $226 million worldwide and winning three Academy Awards (out of eight nominations), including Sorkin’s Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Despite its success, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has publicly voiced his disagreement with the film’s portrayal, stating that while details like clothing were accurate, the “whole narrative arc around my motivations… were, like, completely wrong.”
With deals secured and casting underway, this new film is poised to examine the complex and often controversial legacy of the world’s largest social media platform, moving beyond the origin story to explore its profound impact on contemporary society.
