Jeremy Strong has discussed preparing to play Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg in Aaron Sorkin’s forthcoming film “The Social Reckoning”, the follow-up to “The Social Network”. He said he contacted Zuckerberg after accepting the part to stress that he would approach the portrayal seriously and respectfully, despite recognising that Zuckerberg is widely unpopular. The role is significant because Jesse Eisenberg, Oscar-nominated for playing Zuckerberg in the original film, declined to return, saying he no longer wanted to be associated with the tech executive.

Strong said he did not want to begin the role intending to condemn Zuckerberg, instead seeking to understand him through extensive research. He watched congressional testimony, interviews, talks and Zuckerberg’s Facebook posts, creating an account despite not using social media himself. Sony released the first trailer in June, prompting divided online reactions, while Strong has also spent seven months speaking in a Polish accent for an upcoming separate role.