The Social Reckoning features Mikey Madison and Jeremy Allen White, both confronting the daunting challenge of following in the footsteps of the acclaimed 2010 film The Social Network.
During my last conversation with Madison in February 2022, we dissected her roles in Scream (2022) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), with her expressing a desire to break free from the typecasted roles associated with her. Three years later, she won the Oscar for Best Actress for her daring performance in Anora, showcasing her commitment to challenging roles.
The expectations surrounding The Social Reckoning, crafted by master storyteller Aaron Sorkin and acclaimed director David Fincher, added to Madison’s pressure, considering that her director Quentin Tarantino deemed The Social Network as the standout film of the 2010s.
“I definitely felt that pressure,” Madison shared with The Hollywood Reporter in anticipation of The Social Reckoning‘s release on October 9. “I frequently experience anxiety before starting a new film, but feeling scared indicates that I might be embarking on an interesting project that challenges me.”
Madison prepared to undergo a significant transformation for her role as Frances Haugen, the whistleblower who highlighted Facebook’s disregard for public safety in favor of profit. However, Sorkin led her to a surprising revelation: he didn’t want her to imitate the real Haugen.
“I thought that was the direction. But after Aaron emphatically advised against it, I had to gather my thoughts,” Madison reflected. “In the end, I grew fond of the character he had created, allowing me greater creative freedom, for which I’m grateful. However, I look forward to portraying a real person authentically in the future.”
Jeremy Allen White, a two-time Emmy winner, portrays Jeff Horwitz, the former Wall Street Journal tech reporter who helped Haugen expose Facebook’s misconduct through the Facebook Files. Unlike Madison, White was less daunted by the legacy of The Social Network, seeing The Social Reckoning as a complementary narrative rather than a direct sequel.
“My primary focus was whether this is a film that interests me. Is it engaging? Does it convey a message? Are the characters compelling?” White noted.
While White initially hesitated to tackle another real-life character following his intense role as Bruce Springsteen in Deliver Me from Nowhere, the unique creative opportunity intrigued him. With Horwitz being a less recognizable figure than Springsteen or Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, this gave him ample space to shape the character.
“I expressed my concerns to Sorkin, mentioning I wanted to explore a new character without being constrained by others’ interpretations,” White recalled. “Aaron listened and reassured me that ultimately, this was his portrayal of Jeff. This arrangement allowed me to gather a wealth of information about Horwitz, yet I had considerable freedom during filming.”
In a conversation with THR, Madison and White also shared insights about their decision to largely remain off social media, with The Social Reckoning further affirming their stance.
***
Actors often express that the most desirable roles are those that frighten them the most. I can’t imagine anything more daunting than creating a follow-up to one of the best films of the 21st century, The Social Network. Was fear a motivating factor in your commitment to The Social Reckoning?
MIKEY MADISON That’s a great question. I do experience anxiety before starting a film, but even though it’s uncomfortable, this fear suggests potential for intriguing work beyond my usual boundaries. I strive to avoid roles that feel too familiar or comfortable. So yes, I definitely felt that way.
JEREMY ALLEN WHITE I agree that The Social Network is an exceptional film, but I didn’t feel a strong connection to it while making this new movie. Yes, they share the same writer, and one character connects them, but my focus was on whether it was a film I would want to watch. Is it meaningful? Are the characters captivating? Is the film good? I believe it is.
Mikey, you have maintained a ghost-like presence on social media. Jeremy, you use it minimally. Do you feel that this project has validated your feelings about social media?
WHITE You’re correct. I have a detached relationship with social media. I entered the scene late and not for moral reasons, but for self-preservation. I’ve long-held reservations about the effects of social media. As I prepared for this film, those doubts only intensified. I feel comfortable keeping a distance, especially considering the responsibility we have toward children, ensuring they safely navigate this digital landscape.
MADISON (laughs) I’m thrilled my agents have respected my decision regarding social media. Initially, they may have seen it as stubborn, but ultimately, it’s the best choice for me.
WHITE Apparently, you don’t need a TikTok account when you have an Oscar. It works out.
MADISON & WHITE (laughs)
Jeremy, shifting from portraying an iconic figure like Bruce Springsteen to a less recognizable person like Jeff Horwitz—did this make your job feel less pressure-filled?
WHITE Absolutely. When I met with Aaron, I was still processing my experiences from Deliver Me From Nowhere. It was rewarding, but the pressure was immense. Prior to speaking with Aaron, I expressed how hesitant I was to tackle another real-life character immediately after Springsteen.
Aaron recognized my concerns. He mentioned that he was discussing another real character with Jeremy Strong, emphasizing that public figures like Zuckerberg and Springsteen are well-known and have prevalent interpretations of them. While Jeff and Frances are certainly public figures, many don’t know them well. Aaron encouraged me to conduct research on Horwitz but reassured me that in the end, it was his interpretation of Jeff that mattered most. It was a fantastic balance of research and creative freedom.
Mikey, you were set to fully immerse yourself in the character of Frances Haugen. Was Aaron’s guidance a result of wanting Jeremy Strong to replicate a very specific portrayal of Zuckerberg, leading to a more relaxed direction for you both?
MADISON That seems plausible. I was prepared for a deep transformation, initially thinking that was the vision. After hearing Aaron’s strong conviction against that approach, it took time to fully understand. Ultimately, I embraced the character he had crafted and aimed to tell the story with integrity. I hope the real Frances sees the effort and authenticity in The Social Reckoning. This direction provided me with creative freedom, which I’m thankful for, but I look forward to a future opportunity to portray a real individual more genuinely.
***
The Social Reckoning is currently in theaters.
Read more about this topic:
Social Reckoning: Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White Talk Pressures
