Filmmaker Aaron Sorkin has defended actor Jeremy Strong against persistent criticism regarding his intense acting methods, asserting that the actor is "not a nut. He's not crazy." Sorkin addressed these long-standing complaints at The New Yorker Festival this week while discussing Strong's performance in his new film, "The Social Reckoning."
Strong portrays Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg in the film. Sorkin emphasized that Strong, who won an Emmy for his role in HBO's "Succession," understands he is making a movie, acknowledging the presence of cameras and crew. Sorkin attributed Strong's approach to his studied immersion, noting that the actor "studied at the knee of Daniel Day-Lewis for several years after studying at Yale."
Sorkin, who also penned "The Social Network," suggested that Strong does not derive pleasure from the immersive acting techniques that some find disruptive on set. "I don't think it's the way he likes to work. I think it's the only way he knows how to," Sorkin stated.
"The Social Reckoning," a film that reportedly bombed at the box office, garnered tepid reviews following its release. Sorkin recounted instances of Strong's deep commitment to his role, noting that the actor spoke, walked, and was dressed as Zuckerberg from his first day on set until his last. Strong even sent Sorkin emails defending Zuckerberg's positions while remaining in character.
Sorkin shared an anecdote about Strong's continued immersion even after filming wrapped. "He called me a month or two after we wrapped just to tell me, 'If you look at the third take on this setup, I think I was better than'— that kind of thing," Sorkin said, explaining that Strong communicated this without preamble, speaking as if he were a Polish Nazi-hunter, referencing Sorkin's next project, a remake of "The Boys From Brazil."
"I was just supposed to understand," Sorkin added. "He has a wife and a couple of young kids at home, and I don’t know what life is like."
Criticism of Strong's acting method has also come from his "Succession" co-stars. Brian Cox previously described Strong's style as "f**king annoying... pointless, selfish, an enemy of the imagination," and disrespectful to the ensemble cast. Kieran Culkin has also voiced objections, particularly to actors referring to themselves as "storytellers."
Strong, who also appeared in the 2025 film "The Apprentice," has previously defended his approach. He told the New Yorker Radio Hour podcast, "If some people feel that I'm taking it too seriously, or it changes the molecules in the room in a way that makes something uncomfortable, I guess that's something that I don't feel that I need to apologize for." He added that he believes his methods are in service of the material and that reactions are often personal.
Strong, 47, and Sorkin, 65, were both present at "The Social Reckoning" world premiere on October 4 in New York City.