Key facts
- Aaron Sorkin's film 'The Social Reckoning' dramatizes the 2021 whistleblower case of former Facebook employee Frances Haugen.
- Haugen leaked tens of thousands of internal Facebook documents to regulators and journalists.
- The documents formed the basis of the 'Facebook Files,' revealing the company's awareness of harms tied to its platform.
- The film is a follow-up to Sorkin's 2010 film 'The Social Network.'
- Sony Pictures has slated 'The Social Reckoning' for a theatrical release on October 9, 2026.
- Jeremy Strong plays Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in the film.
Aaron Sorkin's upcoming film, 'The Social Reckoning,' is set to dramatize the story of Facebook's whistleblower case, focusing on the actions of former employee Frances Haugen. The movie, scheduled for release on October 9, 2026, serves as a companion piece to Sorkin's 2010 film 'The Social Network.'
Haugen, a former Facebook product manager, disclosed tens of thousands of internal documents in 2021, which formed the basis of the "Facebook Files" investigation. These reports revealed the company's awareness of harms associated with its platform, including misinformation and negative impacts on mental health. Haugen stated she came forward believing Facebook prioritized profits over public safety, leading to congressional testimony and increased scrutiny of social media companies globally.
The film, written and directed by Sorkin, centers on how these internal documents were leaked and reported, exploring themes of misinformation, public harm, and corporate accountability. Jeff Horwitz, a technology reporter for The Wall Street Journal, led the reporting on the "Facebook Files" using Haugen's leaked documents. His work was later turned into the book 'Broken Code.' Horwitz won a Pulitzer Prize for his reporting on Meta's business practices.
Jeremy Strong stars as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, taking over the role from Jesse Eisenberg. Mikey Madison plays Haugen, and Jeremy Allen White portrays Horwitz. The film was shot in Vancouver.