Renowned writer and director Aaron Sorkin revealed the reasons behind Jesse Eisenberg's decision not to reprise his iconic role in “The Social Reckoning.”

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Sorkin, who wrote the acclaimed The Social Network (2010), winner of three Oscars, and also wrote and directed this new installment, confessed that he spent three days trying to convince Eisenberg to return. “I felt like it belonged to him, and it was certainly battle-tested,” the filmmaker said.

Eisenberg, who earned an Academy Award nomination for best lead actor for his portrayal of the Facebook founder, declined the offer. According to Sorkin, the actor did not want to be further associated with Zuckerberg. “I just didn't want to be confused anymore with Mark Zuckerberg, who has his problems with that guy,” Sorkin explained.

The director also added: “He doesn't like children approaching him at airports with business cards that say 'I'm the CEO, bitch-' for him to sign.”

What did Eisenberg say?

Eisenberg himself had already anticipated his position last year, when on the Today show he declared: “Look, for reasons that have nothing to do with how incredible that movie will be… when you play a character, you feel, at some point, that you have become something else.”

Given Eisenberg's refusal, the lead role fell to Jeremy Strong, known for his work in “Succession” and “The Apprentice.” Sorkin said that the first time he mentioned the project to Eisenberg was at the Vanity Fair Oscar party in 2025, where he also met Strong.

It was there that the “The Apprentice” actor offered to play Zuckerberg if Eisenberg finally did not accept.

Once filming began, Sorkin praised Strong's dedication: "He followed suit. He showed up the first day, and when he said 'good morning,' he was already talking like Mark."

“The Social Reckoning” also features an all-star cast including Jeremy Allen White, Mikey Madison, Betty Gilpin and Patrick Fischler. The film will hit theaters on October 9.

Watch the trailer for the first film: