Jeremy Strong's Method Acting Prep for Zuckerberg Role

Jeremy Strong prepared for his role as Mark Zuckerberg in 'The Social Reckoning' by creating a longitudinal record of the character's evolution starting from around 2010. His task is to surround a subject completely in an investigative mission, internalizing massive research until it becomes second skin.

For Strong, the visceral part of preparation is more important than the intellectual. He does not think about posture or voice when walking onto a set. It must be instinct. To own the role of Zuckerberg, he jettisoned anything that did not serve the goal of embodiment. He did not revisit Jesse Eisenberg's prior portrayal in 'The Social Network.' He aimed for such belief and conviction that the audience might suspend disbelief.

Strong describes Aaron Sorkin's script as a 'golden record' and 'near-perfect piece of text.' He considers Sorkin as great a writer as cinema has ever had. Strong believes the text will take you there if you prepare the life to meet it. He even sent emails to Sorkin in character as Zuckerberg at night after shooting.

Context and controversy around Strong's process

Strong's intense preparation methods have drawn both criticism and defense. A 2021 New Yorker profile sparked debate. Fellow 'Succession' actors Brian Cox and Kieran Culkin made cracks about Strong's unapologetically deliberate methods. In response, Aaron Sorkin wrote an open letter calling the profile a distorted picture. "Jeremy’s not a nut," Sorkin said. Jessica Chastain and Adam McKay also defended Strong, who later called the article a profound betrayal of trust.

Strong has since starred in a self-parodying Dunkin' Super Bowl commercial and a Broadway adaptation of 'Enemy of the People.' For the Zuckerberg role, he emailed the Facebook founder directly. He wrote that he took the portrayal very seriously and would approach it with respect and veracity. Strong says Zuckerberg's private response was hedged but responsive, and he understands the executive would be rightly cautious of another film.

The film's place in the Zuckerberg narrative

'The Social Reckoning' serves as a dark sequel to the 2010 film 'The Social Network.' It opens next week. The narrative focuses on Zuckerberg's transition into a wartime C.E.O., besieged and embattled after the 2016 election interference. Strong tried to understand this determined, embattled figure. He believes Zuckerberg is idealistic and principled, if wrong. The actor is interested in playing characters right on the fault line of everything happening in the world today.

Playing a real person like Mark Zuckerberg presents different challenges than playing a fictional character. In this film, the narrative unspools for quite a while before the audience sees Strong as Zuckerberg. The film is, as Strong notes, Aaron Sorkin’s version. It contains a line delivered in a 'West Wing-y way': 'Can we have the room?' 'The Social Reckoning' is opening next week.