Aaron Sorkin to write and direct ‘The Social Network Part II’ at Sony

Sony Pictures is officially developing The Social Network Part II, with Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin set to write and direct the follow-up to his 2010 hit.

While not a direct sequel, the new film will explore the next chapter of Facebook’s evolution, inspired by the Wall Street Journal’s 2021 investigative series The Facebook Files.

The original Social Network, directed by David Fincher, chronicled the creation of Facebook and earned $226 million globally along with eight Oscar nominations. Sorkin won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. This time, he will also helm the project, following his recent directing credits on Molly’s Game, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Being the Ricardos.

Produced by Todd Black, Peter Rice, Stuart Besser, and Sorkin himself, the film will tackle themes such as Facebook’s influence on youth, international politics, misinformation, and the 2020 U.S. election. Though inspired partly by the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riot, sources clarify this is not a “January 6 movie.”

Casting has yet to begin, but industry insiders anticipate high demand for roles, given the original film’s star-making impact on actors like Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield. It remains unclear whether Eisenberg will reprise his role as Mark Zuckerberg.

With development deals secured, Sorkin will now focus on assembling the cast. A production timeline has not been announced.

Sorkin is represented by WME.