David Fincher’s The Social Network (2010), written by Aaron Sorkin, became one of the defining films of its decade — a sharp and thrilling look at the rise of Facebook, the ambition of its young founders, and the personal conflicts that followed. Now, more than a decade later, the story is getting a continuation. Sony and Sorkin have officially confirmed that a follow-up film titled The Social Reckoning is in development and slated to release on October 9, 2026. However, one of the most beloved performances from the original — Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin — will not be returning.

Talks of a sequel have circulated since 2019, but the project finally gained momentum in mid-2025. While The Social Network explored the creation of Facebook and the legal and emotional fallout between Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin, The Social Reckoning will dive into Facebook’s more recent controversies, focusing on whistleblower revelations and ethical dilemmas in the company’s modern era.

When asked at the New York Film Festival whether he would reprise his role, Garfield replied lightheartedly, “No, Eduardo’s in Singapore having a good time.” He made it clear he would not be appearing in the film but expressed excitement to watch it when it releases. Fans were quick to recall his earlier denials about appearing in Spider-Man: No Way Home, where he ultimately surprised everyone with a cameo. Still, for now, his statement seems definitive — he won’t be returning as Saverin.

Both Garfield and Jesse Eisenberg, who played Mark Zuckerberg in the original, are stepping away from the new film. Instead, Succession star Jeremy Strong will take over as Zuckerberg. The film will also feature Mikey Madison as Frances Haugen — the real-life Facebook engineer turned whistleblower who exposed internal documents known as The Facebook Files. Jeremy Allen White will portray Jeff Horowitz, the Wall Street Journal reporter who worked closely with Haugen, while Bill Burr has joined in an undisclosed role.

Unlike the original film, The Social Reckoning isn’t being described as a direct sequel but more as a “companion piece.” It will explore the evolution of social media influence, digital ethics, and the consequences of Big Tech on modern society rather than revisiting Facebook’s origin story.

From a storytelling perspective, Garfield’s absence makes sense — Eduardo Saverin’s role in Facebook’s founding is well-documented, and in real life, he moved to Singapore and largely withdrew from the public spotlight. Garfield’s comment playfully acknowledges that fact. However, given his history of surprising fans, many still wonder if a small cameo or archival inclusion might happen.

Regardless, Garfield’s portrayal of Saverin in The Social Network remains one of his most acclaimed performances — earning him widespread praise, a BAFTA nomination, and solidifying his reputation as one of his generation’s finest actors. Since then, Garfield has taken on a diverse range of roles, from Hacksaw Ridge and Silence to Under the Silver Lake and Tick, Tick… Boom! Most recently, he appeared in After the Hunt, directed by Luca Guadagnino and co-starring Julia Roberts and Ayo Edebiri.

While fans may miss seeing Garfield return to the Facebook universe, The Social Reckoning promises a timely and powerful new chapter in the ongoing story of the world’s most influential — and controversial — social platform.

TOPICS: Andrew Garfield