After years of speculation and cryptic teases, Aaron Sorkin is officially returning to the world of Facebook. It's being reported that the Oscar-winning screenwriter will direct "The Social Network Part II" for Sony Pictures, a follow-up to his acclaimed 2010 drama. While the title suggests a direct sequel, insiders stress this is not a traditional continuation, but rather a fresh narrative that revisits Facebook from a modern and much darker vantage point.
Sorkin will also produce the film alongside longtime collaborators Todd Black, Peter Rice, and Stuart Besser. According to sources, the project is in active development with major talent agents already jockeying to land roles for their clients, signaling high anticipation from the industry.
Sorkin's new screenplay is reportedly inspired by "The Facebook Files", a groundbreaking investigative series by Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz, published in October 2021. These exposés pulled back the curtain on the internal documents leaked by whistleblower Frances Haugen, revealing how Facebook knowingly prioritized profits over user safety, particularly concerning teens, preteens, public safety, and the platform's impact abroad.
Rather than simply recounting the rise of Facebook, as the original film did, this follow-up aims to delve into the platform's more controversial second act-its unchecked growth, manipulation of public discourse, and role in fueling global unrest.
The original "Social Network" film is based on Ben Mezrich's book "The Accidental Billionaires" and was directed by David Fincher, chronicling the tumultuous creation of Facebook and its founder, Mark Zuckerberg. The film earned eight Academy Award nominations and won three, including Best Adapted Screenplay for Sorkin.
Though Sorkin has long expressed interest in returning to the Facebook saga, he previously said he hadn't found the right narrative hook. That changed after the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. In a 2023 interview, Sorkin suggested Facebook's role in spreading misinformation contributed to the insurrection, which helped spark his creative direction for this new project. However, sources close to the film emphasize that "The Social Network Part II" will not be a "January 6th movie." Instead, the story will examine Facebook's broader societal impact-how it influences elections, public health, violence, and mental health among young users, not just in America but globally.
Eisenberg's portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg earned him an Oscar nomination and became one of the defining performances of his career, though it's not clear whether Eisenberg will reprise his role. Given that many characters from the original film wouldn't naturally fit into this new chapter, Sorkin is expected to introduce a mostly new ensemble to tell this updated story.
"The Social Network Part II" does not yet have a production start date.
Tags: aaron sorkin, the social network part ii, sony