Summary
Director David Fincher teases that talks have taken place with original screenwriter Aaron Sorkin about making The Social Network 2.
A lot has transpired between Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook, and the release of the movie. Fincher intriguingly refers to the possible sequel as "a can of worms."
Although the idea of a reunion between Fincher, Sorkin, and Jesse Eisenberg is enticing, it remains uncertain if a sequel can capture the same resonance as the original given the altered cultural environment we find ourselves in today.
Director David Fincher has hinted at the possibility of a sequel to the critically-acclaimed film, The Social Network. Released in 2010, the original movie delved into the story of Mark Zuckerberg and the creation of Facebook. While the film concluded on a poignant note, portraying Zuckerberg's strained relationships and his pursuit of success, the real-life story of Facebook has carried on. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Fincher revealed that he has discussed the idea of The Social Network 2 with the original screenwriter, Aaron Sorkin. However, the director remained cryptic about whether the sequel will indeed come to fruition.
“Aaron [Sorkin, who wrote the film] and I have talked about it, but, um … that’s a can of worms.”
Should The Social Network 2 Happen?
The initial film proved to be a powerhouse at award ceremonies, clinching three Oscars, among them the esteemed Best Adapted Screenplay accolade. Furthermore, it received nominations in multiple other categories. The amalgamation of Sorkin's exceptional script, Fincher's masterful direction, and the remarkable performances by the star-studded ensemble of The Social Network, particularly Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield, undeniably creates a match made in heaven.
Combining all these forces once again for The Social Network 2 would provide a strong creative foundation for the sequel. Furthermore, considering the developments in Zuckerberg and Facebook's journey since the first film, there is ample material to explore. Remarkably, significant events such as the acquisition of Instagram in 2012 and the recent rebranding to Meta in 2021 have shaped Facebook's history.
However, as Fincher suggests, there are valid reasons to refrain from making a sequel. It is uncertain if a sequel could achieve the same level of commercial success given the changes in the current theatrical landscape. Additionally, the entire narrative surrounding Zuckerberg has undergone a remarkable transformation since the initial release of the first movie. The Social Network remains an exceptional cinematic achievement from one of Hollywood's most talented directors, and revisiting the same story runs the risk of tainting the brilliance of the original, which still holds up remarkably well today.
Source: The Guardian