Jeremy Strong and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies remotely during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled, "Breaking the News: Censorship, Suppression, and the 2020 Election" on Capitol Hill on November 17, 2020 in Washington, DC.Michael Buckner for Deadline/Getty
Jeremy Strong Front-Runner to Portray Mark Zuckerberg in ‘The Social Network Part II’
It’s official — the digital age’s most polarizing tech mogul might be portrayed by one of television’s most commanding actors. According to Deadline, Jeremy Strong is the top choice to play Mark Zuckerberg, the enigmatic META CEO and Facebook founder, in the upcoming sequel to The Social Network.
Though no formal offer has been made, insiders close to the project suggest that Strong is the clear front-runner for the role. The move would mark a bold creative decision by Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, who is returning to write and direct the much-anticipated follow-up.
From Kendall Roy to Mark Zuckerberg?
Jeremy Strong has built a reputation as a deeply methodical, transformative actor — best known for his Emmy-winning performance as Kendall Roy in HBO’s Succession. Portraying Zuckerberg would offer Strong yet another opportunity to dive into the psyche of a powerful, emotionally complex, and culturally divisive figure.
In many ways, this casting choice makes perfect sense. Strong has shown a unique talent for exploring ambition, privilege, and the psychological weight of legacy — all themes central to Zuckerberg’s real-life story.
If confirmed, Strong would follow in the footsteps of Jesse Eisenberg, who earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Zuckerberg in the original 2010 film.
The Sequel No One Expected — But Everyone Wants
Rather than being a traditional sequel, The Social Network Part II is being positioned as a follow-up that jumps more than a decade ahead. The first film chronicled the birth of Facebook — from Harvard dorm rooms to Silicon Valley success. The sequel will focus on the dark underbelly of the social media empire.
At the heart of this new narrative? The 2021 Wall Street Journal exposé, The Facebook Files, a bombshell series of investigative articles by Jeff Horwitz that revealed how Facebook’s own research exposed the platform’s harmful impact on society — from mental health damage to algorithm-driven polarization.
Jeremy Allen White & Mikey Madison Also in Talks
Sources also confirm that Jeremy Allen White, fresh off his Golden Globe win for The Bear, is being considered to play Jeff Horowitz, the investigative reporter behind The Facebook Files. Meanwhile, Mikey Madison is rumored to play the whistleblower — an anonymous insider who leaked internal documents exposing Facebook’s unethical decisions.
This dream-team trio — Strong, White, and Madison — would undoubtedly bring intense depth, nuance, and urgency to the film.
Sorkin Returns to Direct & Write
Aaron Sorkin’s return is perhaps the biggest headline. His screenplay for The Social Network won him an Academy Award, and his signature rapid-fire dialogue and morally complex characters were a huge part of the first film’s success.
After years of contemplating what story to tell next, Sorkin seems to have found the right moment — and the right scandal. He’s joined by producers Todd Black, Peter Rice, and Stuart Besser — indicating that the sequel is in serious development.
With today’s social landscape dominated by concerns over misinformation, data privacy, political division, and mental health, The Social Network Part II could not be more timely.
Why Jeremy Strong Is the Perfect Fit
Strong’s potential casting represents a shift from the youthful, awkward energy Jesse Eisenberg brought to the role in 2010. In 2025, Zuckerberg is no longer a college coder trying to prove himself. He’s a tech titan under constant public scrutiny, defending a multi-billion-dollar empire amid global controversy.
Strong's ability to portray inner torment, corporate ruthlessness, and moral ambiguity — all while keeping audiences emotionally invested — makes him an ideal choice for this new chapter.
His performances in Succession, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and The Big Short prove he can walk the fine line between cold calculation and fragile humanity — a balance that the new Zuckerberg portrayal will undoubtedly require.
What to Expect from the Plot
While full plot details are still under wraps, the film is expected to dramatize:
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The internal research leaks from Facebook that revealed harm to teens (especially via Instagram).
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The role of algorithms in spreading misinformation and inciting division.
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Facebook’s (now Meta’s) handling of political unrest and ethical responsibility.
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Testimonies by whistleblowers in Congress and leaked documents.
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Zuckerberg’s public statements and internal memos during peak controversy.
In essence, this is no longer the story of how Facebook was created — it’s about how it became a global power with deep societal consequences.
A Sequel That Reflects the Times
More than just a tech drama, The Social Network Part II promises to be a mirror to our times. The original film was ahead of its time in portraying Zuckerberg not as a hero or villain but as a byproduct of ego, innovation, and broken friendships.
Now, the sequel aims to ask harder questions: What happens when a social platform becomes too powerful? What are the costs of global connectivity? And who is held accountable?
With Strong, Sorkin, and a hard-hitting plot rooted in real journalism, this could be one of the most compelling films of the decade.
Final Thoughts: The Age of Accountability
If Jeremy Strong officially signs on to play Mark Zuckerberg, it will mark the start of an exciting new chapter in The Social Network saga. With public trust in tech giants at an all-time low and the societal effects of social media under a microscope, this sequel is poised to be more urgent, more intense, and more thought-provoking than ever before.
And if Strong brings his usual A-game, audiences may find themselves watching a version of Zuckerberg that’s disturbingly familiar — and impossible to ignore.
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