Aaron Sorkin is revisiting the world of Facebook with "The Social Reckoning," a "companion piece" to his 2010 hit, "The Social Network". Sony Pictures has slated the film for release on October 9, 2026. Sorkin, who won an Oscar for writing "The Social Network," will write and direct this new installment.
"The Social Reckoning" shifts its focus to the aftermath of Facebook's creation, diving into the controversies and scandals that have plagued the social media giant in recent years. The film draws inspiration from "The Facebook Files," a series of articles published by The Wall Street Journal in 2021, which exposed the company's knowledge of its harmful effects on users.
Academy Award winner Mikey Madison, known for her roles in "Anora" and "Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood," will star as Frances Haugen, the Facebook whistleblower who leaked thousands of internal documents to The Wall Street Journal. These documents revealed that Facebook prioritized profits over user safety and hid its own research from investors and the public. Jeremy Allen White, of "The Bear" fame, will play Jeff Horwitz, the Wall Street Journal reporter who wrote "The Facebook Files". Jeremy Strong, known for his role in "Succession" and recent Oscar nomination for "The Apprentice", will take on the role of Mark Zuckerberg, replacing Jesse Eisenberg, who played the Facebook founder in "The Social Network". Bill Burr has also been cast in an unspecified role.
"The Social Reckoning" will explore themes of corporate greed, the spread of misinformation, the platform's impact on teen mental health, and its role in political events, including the January 6th U.S. Capitol attack. The film is not a direct sequel but a "companion piece" that aims to dissect the darker side of Facebook and its impact on society.
The film will be produced by Todd Black, Peter Rice, Aaron Sorkin, and Stuart Besser. Production is expected to commence in October 2025.
"The Social Network," directed by David Fincher, was a critical and commercial success, grossing $226 million globally and receiving eight Academy Award nominations. It won three Oscars, including Best Adapted Screenplay for Sorkin. "The Social Reckoning" is positioned for an awards season launch and aims to be more than just a sequel, offering a contemporary examination of Facebook's far-reaching consequences.
