Jesse Eisenberg, 'Today' host Craig Melvin have awkward exchange over Mark Zuckerberg role
Share and Follow

It seems Jesse Eisenberg is steering clear of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s shoes this time around.

During a Thursday appearance on the “Today” show, the actor skillfully sidestepped a question about why he chose not to reprise his role as Zuckerberg in the anticipated sequel to “The Social Network.”

Host Craig Melvin addressed the speculation, asking Eisenberg about reports suggesting he declined to participate in the sequel, curious about the reason behind his decision.

Instead of offering a direct explanation, Eisenberg took a lighter approach, cracking a joke related to the recent daring jewel heist at the Louvre.

“I was in Paris,” the 42-year-old “Zombieland” star quipped. “And I had some tools, and I thought, why not make a bigger splash at the Louvre?”

Although Melvin attempted to play along, the pair’s exchange got awkward fast.

“I see what you did there,” the “Today” host replied before Eisenberg fired back: “I see what you did there. We both are playing chess.”

“Your turn! My turn?” the seemingly confused “Now You See Me” star continued. “What do you have coming out this month?”

After some more incredibly uncomfortable back and forth, Melvin pressed Eisenberg once again about why he “would say no” to returning as Zuckerberg for Aaron Sorkin’s “The Social Reckoning.”

“Listen, for reasons that have nothing to do with how amazing that movie will be, really, truthfully,” the “A Real Pain” star explained. “But when you play a character, you feel, you know, at some point you’ve grown into something else.”

“Yeah, something,” Eisenberg continued regarding whether he “outgrew” the role. “But it’s a really wonderful movie. I’m friends with Aaron Sorkin, who wrote and is directing this movie, and all of the reasons that I am not in it are completely unrelated to how brilliant it will be.”

Directed by David Fincher with a screenplay by Sorkin, “The Social Network” was released in 2010 and saw Eisenberg star as the famous Facebook founder during the early stages of the platform’s development.

Despite earning a Best Actor nomination for the role at the 2011 Academy Awards, Eisenberg chose not to return as Zuckerberg after Sorkin first announced that “The Social Reckoning” was in development back in June.

It was later announced that “Succession” star Jeremy Strong would be taking over the role from Eisenberg, per The Hollywood Reporter.

The “Adventureland” star, meanwhile, spoke out against the 41-year-old Meta CEO during an interview with BBC Radio back in February.

At the time, Eisenberg shared that he didn’t “want to think of myself as associated with somebody like that.”

“It’s like this guy is… doing things that are problematic, taking away fact-checking,” he said of the billionaire’s social media policies. “Safety concerns. Making people who are already threatened in the world more threatened.”

As for Zuckerberg, he spoke out against “The Social Network” during a chat on “The Colin and Samir Show” podcast one month later.

“They got all these very specific details of what I was wearing, or these specific things correct, but then the whole narrative arc around my motivations and all this stuff were like, completely wrong,” he said in March.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Veteran actor T.K. Carter, known for 'The Thing' and 'Punky Brewster,' dies at 69

Acclaimed Actor T.K. Carter, Star of ‘The Thing’ and ‘Punky Brewster,’ Passes Away at 69

DUARTE, California — T.K. Carter, the seasoned actor recognized for his roles…
Puka Nacua praised for key interception breakup in Rams playoff win

Puka Nacua’s Crucial Interception Breakup Secures Rams’ Playoff Victory

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Puka Nacua showcased his prowess by scoring two touchdowns…
JSO: Elderly man dead after hit-and-run on Vernon Road

Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of Elderly Man on Vernon Road

A tragic incident unfolded in Jacksonville on Saturday when an elderly man…
Minneapolis ICE shooting: Anti-ICE protests held across Chicago area in response to deadly federal agent shooting of Renee Good

Chicago Rallies Ignite: Nationwide Outcry Against ICE Following Minneapolis Shooting of Renee Good

CHICAGO (WLS) — Demonstrations against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) erupted…
Crowd-for-hire boss rejects Minneapolis unrest as illegal chaos

Minneapolis Unrest: Crowd-For-Hire Leader Denounces Chaos Amidst Legal Controversy

In Minneapolis, anti-ICE demonstrators have taken to the streets, causing significant disruptions.…
Ex-con charged in Christmas Day CVS robbery that left clerk fatally stabbed

Ex-Convict Faces Charges in Fatal Christmas Day CVS Stabbing and Robbery

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — On Christmas Day, 23-year-old Eddy Cine Jr., an aspiring…
Hundreds killed in Iran as hardline regime fights for survival

Iran’s Turmoil: Unraveling the Deadly Struggle for Power and Survival

Over the weekend, Iran has been engulfed in chaos, with fears of…
Donald Trump says America is 'ready to help' ensure freedom in Iran

Donald Trump Expresses U.S. Readiness to Support Freedom Initiatives in Iran

In a bold declaration, President Donald Trump has articulated his intentions to…