Jesse Eisenberg refuses to reprise his role as Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network sequel
Acclaimed actor Jesse Eisenberg has confirmed that he will not return to step into the shoes of Mark Zuckerberg for the new film project titled The Social Network 2. This film, which serves as a direct sequel to the successful 2010 movie The Social Network, is written and directed once again by Aaron Sorkin, who insistently sought the return of his original lead.
Money was not an incentive
Despite the director’s efforts, who even put very attractive financial figures on the table from the studio, Eisenberg remained firm in his refusal. According to Sorkin, the financial factor turned out to be irrelevant to the actor, even going so far as to describe it as a disincentive in his decision-making process.
He knew what the studio was offering him, but money doesn’t motivate Jesse. It’s infuriating. If anything, money is a disincentive for him. It’s admirable. He’s very worried about raising his kids with too much money.
Aaron Sorkin
An intense negotiation process
Aaron Sorkin revealed that he kept the script’s development a total secret and that, after a casual meeting with the actor, he decided to send him the material hoping for a positive response. Although Eisenberg admitted that he found the script interesting, this was not enough to convince him to reprise the character of Zuckerberg.
The filmmaker even prepared detailed negotiation outlines, explaining the creative reasons and the relevance of the new moments the character would experience in this installment. Although Eisenberg acknowledged that the director came close to changing his mind, the actor’s final decision remained firm, thus closing the door on his participation in this highly anticipated cinematic sequel.
