Sixteen years after “The Social Network” chronicled the rise of Facebook, audiences are getting their first look at its highly anticipated follow-up.
Sony Pictures has unveiled the trailer for “The Social Reckoning,” a sequel to the 2010 Oscar-winning drama that again turns its focus to the social media giant, this time examining the whistleblower revelations that emerged as the platform matured into a global force.
The film stars Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White, Bill Burr and Jeremy Strong. Strong takes over the role of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, succeeding Jesse Eisenberg, who led the original film.
Aaron Sorkin returns to the franchise doing double duty as both writer and director, expanding his role after winning an Academy Award for best adapted screenplay for “The Social Network.” The film tells the true story of former Facebook engineer Frances Haugen (Madison) and Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz (White), whose reporting exposed the company’s internal research and decision-making. Their work culminated in “The Facebook Files,” a 2021 investigative series revealing Facebook’s harmful effects on teens and its role in spreading misinformation, including content linked to political violence.
When the trailer premiered at this year’s CinemaCon, the annual convention for theater owners, Sorkin explained why he needed to make a sequel to his 2010 corporate drama: “There isn’t a life that Facebook’s algorithm hasn’t touched, and that influence has shaped everything. So it’s time to say more.”
“The Social Network” was both a critical and commercial success, grossing $226 million worldwide and earning eight Academy Award nominations, including best picture. The film won three Oscars and has since been widely cited as one of Hollywood’s most influential portrayals of the tech industry.
“The Social Reckoning” is produced by Sorkin alongside Todd Black, Peter Rice and Stuart Besser. Sony will release the film in theaters on Oct. 9.
Watch the trailer below.
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