Jeremy Strong is taking his preparation for Mark Zuckerberg seriously. Before filming The Social Reckoning, the actor reached out directly to the Meta CEO to let him know he wanted to approach the role with respect, according to Variety. Strong explained that he wanted to understand Zuckerberg rather than simply play him as a villain. Although the actor knows Zuckerberg is a controversial figure, he felt that judging the character before playing him would not make for an honest performance.
Strong’s preparation went beyond sending an email. He spent months studying Zuckerberg, including going through his public appearances and Facebook posts. He also spent time speaking and moving like Zuckerberg, staying in character during production as part of his immersive approach to the role.
Zuckerberg did respond to Strong’s email, although the actor has chosen not to reveal what the Meta CEO said. Strong also decided not to visit Meta’s offices while preparing for the role, preferring to do his own research from a distance.
The Social Reckoning is written and directed by Aaron Sorkin and serves as a follow-up to 2010’s The Social Network. This time, the story focuses on Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, played by Mikey Madison, and journalist Jeff Horwitz, played by Jeremy Allen White, as they investigate the company’s internal practices.
Strong is taking over the role of Zuckerberg from Jesse Eisenberg, who played the Facebook founder in The Social Network. The new film looks at a very different period in Zuckerberg’s career, giving Strong a chance to put his own spin on the character.
With The Social Reckoning scheduled to arrive in theaters on October 9, Strong’s preparation is already giving audiences plenty to talk about. Whether his take on Zuckerberg will live up to the attention surrounding the film remains to be seen, but it is clear that the actor has gone all in on the role.
Leave a Comment