Jeremy Strong, known for his intense method acting on HBO's 'Succession,' is stepping into the role of Mark Zuckerberg for the upcoming sequel to David Fincher's 'The Social Network,' titled 'The Social Reckoning.' The film is set to release on October 9.
Strong revealed in a conversation with GQ that upon accepting the part, he reached out directly to Zuckerberg via email. He stated his intention was to convey the seriousness with which he approaches the role and its subject matter, emphasizing a respectful portrayal. Strong declined to share the exact contents of the email or whether he received a response.
The decision to recast Zuckerberg followed Jesse Eisenberg's refusal to reprise the character, reportedly due to a desire to distance himself from the Facebook founder. Strong, however, finds the role compelling, comparing the challenges to actors portraying public figures like Donald Trump or Bruce Springsteen. He acknowledged Zuckerberg's contentious public image but asserted that an actor portraying him should not be driven by condemnation.
Zuckerberg's public perception has been shaped by events such as recent mass layoffs at Meta, reports of the company tracking employees for AI training, and significant fines related to child safety on its platforms.
In preparation for the role, Strong has immersed himself in Zuckerberg's past, including creating a Facebook account to review his early posts and extensively watching recordings of Zuckerberg's testimonies before Congress. This level of dedication mirrors his approach to other demanding roles, such as his reported seven-month use of a Polish accent for an adaptation of 'The Boys from Brazil.'
'The Social Reckoning' will reportedly focus on Zuckerberg's interactions with the U.S. government following whistleblower leaks from Frances Haugen and Jeff Horwirtz in 2021. Mikey Madison and Jeremy Allen White are also set to appear in the film.