Jesse Eisenberg exits Social Network 2 — who will play Mark Zuckerberg now?

Update on Social Network 2

A surprising development has emerged around the upcoming sequel to The Social Network, as Jesse Eisenberg will reportedly not be reprising his acclaimed role as Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg.

The sequel to the Oscar-winning 2010 film directed by David Fincher is currently in development, with original screenwriter Aaron Sorkin returning to pen the script. The film is set to focus on the darker chapters in Facebook’s evolution, particularly the years following the platform’s meteoric rise and the various controversies surrounding its operations.

According to industry sources, the sequel will likely explore the events around 2021, when The Facebook Files—a series of investigative articles by The Wall Street Journal—brought to light troubling internal practices within the company.

Despite the anticipation, Jesse Eisenberg has reportedly turned down the opportunity to reprise his role, which earned him an Oscar nomination over a decade ago.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, his decision could possibly be part of ongoing negotiations, though no official statement has been made. Some industry insiders have noted that age might be a factor, as Eisenberg, now 41, would need to portray a Zuckerberg in his mid-thirties.

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Several actors are already being considered for major roles in the sequel. Anora star Mikey Madison and The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White are reportedly in talks to play Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen and investigative journalist Jeff Horowitz, respectively.

Meanwhile, Succession actor Jeremy Strong has emerged as a potential candidate to step into the shoes of Zuckerberg. Though Strong is older than Eisenberg—46 to Eisenberg’s 41—his recent performances, including his role in The Apprentice, suggest he could bring the gravitas needed for this more critical portrayal of the Meta CEO.

Regardless of final casting choices, the sequel promises to be a bold and timely exploration of one of the most powerful—and controversial—companies in the world.