Aaron Sorkin Defends Jeremy Strong's 'Immersive' Acting Style
The director of 'The Social Reckoning' clarified the actor's methods, stating, 'I think it's the only way he knows how to do it.'
Director Aaron Sorkin has defended the intense acting methods of Jeremy Strong, who portrays Mark Zuckerberg in Sorkin's latest film, "The Social Reckoning." Sorkin described Strong as "a very immersive actor," but insisted "He's not a nut. He's not crazy."
Speaking at the 2026 New Yorker Festival, Sorkin explained that Strong's approach stems from his dedication to the craft, influenced by actors like Daniel Day-Lewis. "I don't think it's the way he likes to work. I think it's the only way he knows how to do it," Sorkin stated.
Sorkin recounted instances of Strong's immersion on set. From his first day, Strong reportedly only spoke and moved as Zuckerberg, maintaining the character's voice and demeanor. It wasn't until the final day of shooting that Strong reverted to his own voice after the cameras stopped rolling. Sorkin also confirmed reports that Strong would send him emails, adopting Zuckerberg's persona to defend the character's viewpoints.
Sorkin shared another anecdote where Strong, months after filming "The Social Reckoning," called him while working on a different project. In this call, Strong was still speaking as the character he was playing at the time, a Polish Nazi-hunter, without any prior introduction, leaving Sorkin to infer the context.
"The Social Reckoning," which features Strong in the role previously played by Jesse Eisenberg in "The Social Network," is now in theaters.