After years of speculation regarding a potential sequel to his Oscar-winning drama, The Social Network, Aaron Sorkin has reportedly found a compelling angle for his follow-up film. According to sources from Deadline, Sorkin is set to direct The Social Network Part II for Sony Pictures. While the project is being referred to as a part two, insiders clarify that it will not be a traditional sequel; instead, it will serve as a continuation of the original narrative that delved into the origins of what eventually became the world’s largest social media platform.
The upcoming film is currently in development, with Sorkin collaborating with producers Todd Black, Peter Rice, and Stuart Besser. Sorkin’s original screenplay for this new installment will center on the groundbreaking series of articles published by the Wall Street Journal titled The Facebook Files. Released in October 2021, this explosive exposé revealed the internal workings and various harms caused by the social media giant, providing a rich backdrop for Sorkin's narrative.
Released by Sony Pictures in 2010, the original The Social Network was a monumental success, earning an impressive $226 million at the global box office. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning three, including Best Adapted Screenplay for Sorkin. Since its debut, Sorkin has frequently expressed interest in creating a follow-up, but he struggled to pinpoint the right angle—until now.
After the events of January 6, 2020, when the U.S. Capitol was attacked, Sorkin found renewed inspiration for the project. In a previous interview, he stated that he believed Facebook played a significant role in shaping the events of that day. However, sources emphasize that the new film will not solely focus on the January 6 incident. Instead, it will explore the broader implications of Facebook's influence, including its effects on the 2020 election, the impact on teenagers and preteens, as well as violence and its repercussions in countries beyond the United States.
While David Fincher directed the original The Social Network, Sorkin will assume directing responsibilities for this new project. Since the original film's release, Sorkin has honed his directing skills through notable projects such as Molly’s Game, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Being the Ricardos. Although a production date has yet to be established, sources indicate that with various deals finalized, Sorkin will now concentrate on assembling his cast.
With the high-profile nature of this project, it is expected that agents across Hollywood will be eager to showcase their rising stars for the coveted roles in The Social Network Part II. The original film significantly boosted the careers of actors like Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield, making the casting process highly competitive. As for Eisenberg, who received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, it remains uncertain how substantial his role will be in this new story. It is also unclear if Sorkin has reached out to him about reprising his iconic role. Nonetheless, while it’s reasonable to assume that many characters from the original may not return, the absence of Zuckerberg from a film about Facebook seems unlikely.
In conclusion, Aaron Sorkin's upcoming film, The Social Network Part II, promises to provide a provocative exploration of the social media landscape, rooted in real events and journalistic inquiry. As developments unfold, fans and critics alike eagerly await what Sorkin has in store.
