Actor Jeremy Strong sent an email to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg after being cast to portray him in Aaron Sorkin’s forthcoming film The Social Reckoning, stating that he takes the responsibility seriously and approaches the role with respect.
When Jeremy Strong landed the role of Mark Zuckerberg in Aaron Sorkin’s upcoming sequel The Social Reckoning, he decided on a direct approach. Rather than relying entirely on outside material, the Succession star reached out to the tech executive directly via email.
The film, coming on October 9, serves as a follow-up to David Fincher’s 2010 Oscar-winning film The Social Network, in which Jesse Eisenberg originally played Zuckerberg. Sorkin wrote and directed the sequel, which also features Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White, and Jeremy Strong.
Mark Zuckerberg Responded to Jeremy Strong's 'Social Reckoning' Email
Strong acknowledged that his decision to email Zuckerberg might shock studio executives. I wrote to him — I’m probably going to give Sony an aneurysm — I sent him an email,
Strong revealed during a new GQ cover story and profile. He explained that the message simply conveyed that he takes the responsibility very seriously, values the veracity of it, and approaches the project with respect. Strong recalled telling Sorkin, If Jesse Eisenberg doesn’t do it, call me.
Strong confirmed that he received a response, though he chose not to disclose the exact contents of their discussions or what was written in the email. While Zuckerberg expressed frustration over the 2010 film—stating during a Facebook Q&A in 2014 that it made up a bunch of stuff that I found kind of hurtful
—the Meta founder’s reply to Strong remains private.
The Social Reckoning Star Jeremy Strong Emailed “Reviled” Mark
The recasting of the Facebook CEO came after Eisenberg turned down the chance to return to the character. Sorkin explained, He simply did not want to be conflated with Mark Zuckerberg anymore; he has his problems with the guy.
Strong, however, views the challenge through the lens of theatrical transformation, drawing parallels to other complex biographical performances.
It’s the kind of role that fascinates me,
Strong said of succeeding the part. “It’s like Sebastian [Stan] playing Trump. You are wearing the cape. It’s like Jeremy [Allen White] playing Bruce [Springsteen]. It’s like, the perils of that could not be greater. To commit to it, and to be free within it, is a great challenge.” The actor added, I know that he is a reviled person and not a popular person in our culture, but I do not think you should have an actor playing him who wants to set out to condemn him.
He also noted that being an actor requires him to understand and defend
how Zuckerberg sees things and fight his fight.
Jeremy Strong Says He Approached ‘Reviled’ Mark Zuckerberg With
To prepare for the part, Strong studied Zuckerberg’s public appearances and Facebook posts. Interestingly, this won’t be the first time that Strong has played a real-life character, having previously portrayed figures such as Lee Harvey Oswald, Jon Landau, Jerry Rubin, and Roy Cohn.
The upcoming movie acts as a companion piece and follow-up to 2010’s The Social Network. While the original film captured the creation of the social network, the new film focuses on the unsettling consequences of its global influence. The October premiere features Mikey Madison (Anora), Jeremy Allen White (The Bear), and Jeremy Strong, expanding the thematic legacy of the Oscar-winning predecessor under Aaron Sorkin.
Strong debuted his uncanny Zuckerberg portrayal in the film’s first trailer in June, and audiences will be able to see the final result when The Social Reckoning arrives on October 9.
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