The casting drama you didn't see coming
It’s giving main character energy, but not in the way Aaron Sorkin expected. The director behind the iconic 2010 hit The Social Network recently revealed that he assumed Jesse Eisenberg would naturally reprise his role as Mark Zuckerberg for the upcoming sequel, The Social Reckoning. Sorkin was so confident that he didn't even consider a backup plan.
"It never occurred to me that he wouldn't wanna do it," Sorkin told Entertainment Weekly. He even went as far as writing an entire outline of "arguments" to convince Eisenberg, promising him iconic moments to play on screen. While Eisenberg admitted Sorkin’s pitch almost changed his mind, he ultimately passed.
Why money didn't talk
Usually, a massive studio paycheck is enough to get anyone to sign on the dotted line, but Sorkin shared that for Eisenberg, the cash was actually a "disincentive."
"Money does not motivate Jesse," Sorkin explained. "It’s infuriating. If anything, money is a disincentive for him. It’s admirable. He’s very concerned about raising his kids with too much money."
Moving on
Eisenberg isn't shading the project—he just wants to pivot. He told Variety he’s "moving in different directions" and prefers not to be associated with that specific character anymore, even though he respects the new film.
With Eisenberg out, the role of the Facebook founder has been filled by Jeremy Strong. The movie, which also features a cast including Jeremy Allen White, Mikey Madison, and Bill Burr, is set to hit theaters on Oct. 9.
Why it matters
The Social Network is legendary, so seeing the original lead opt out of the sequel is a huge plot twist. It proves that even in Hollywood, some actors are truly built different and prefer artistic peace over a bag, no cap.
