Aaron Sorkin wasn’t planning to make another movie about Facebook — until he met a whistleblower whose story he felt compelled to tell. In an expansive conversation with Nicolle Wallace, the Oscar- and Emmy-winning writer and director discusses his new film, The Social Reckoning, and the extraordinary power Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook wield over nearly 3 billion people — and the costly decisions that have shaped the platform’s impact on our lives, our politics and our democracy.
A follow-up to 2010’s The Social Network, Sorkin’s new film examines Facebook in the age of Trump, telling the story of whistleblower Frances Haugen’s decision to expose internal documents detailing misinformation and potential harms, while exploring an older Zuckerberg confronting the consequences of the technology he created. Sorkin explains why he chose to release the film ahead of the midterm elections and why he believes there is still room for optimism — if we are willing to act.
Wallace and Sorkin explore Zuckerberg’s immense influence, the decisions surrounding Facebook on January 6, the people inside the company who knew what was happening and remained silent, and why Wallace sees Zuckerberg as “bubble wrapped from reality.” They discuss the complicated empathy the film invites audiences to feel for Zuckerberg — and how that empathy can coexist with accountability for decisions that affect billions. Sorkin also shares the story of Zuckerberg’s former consigliere and their falling out, his reaction to Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of Zuckerberg (whom Sorkin calls “the best American actor under 50 years old”), and Facebook’s efforts to obtain the film’s script before its release. He reveals how the filmmakers prepared for potential legal challenges, including the threat of a lawsuit.
The conversation also examines Trump’s relationship with Zuckerberg, the former president’s attacks on the media despite his apparent appetite for attention from credible news organizations, and the essential role investigative journalism plays in holding powerful people and institutions accountable. Wallace and Sorkin discuss why Congress and the law continue to lag behind rapidly advancing technology, the consequences of leaving that power unchecked, and why the stakes for democracy could hardly be higher.
And in a moment that connects Sorkin’s celebrated work across generations, the conversation turns to A Few Good Men, Hegseth’s “illegal order” and the enduring importance of questioning authority. Wallace, who was inspired by Allison Janney’s portrayal of White House Press Secretary C.J. Cregg on The West Wing to imagine a future for herself in the White House, joins Sorkin in reflecting on the responsibilities of the press, the dangers of unchecked power and the choices that define our political moment.
From Facebook’s influence over billions of lives to Trump, whistleblowers, investigative journalism and the future of American democracy, Sorkin’s message is clear: We need to take democracy more seriously.
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36:33 I hope you will do some coverage about the transition from a nation state to a market state And what The implications are for public and international law
You asked when did mainstream news go dark? I trace it to Murdoch’s tabloidization of news and exploitatiin of it with Fox. Murdoch turned a profession into a concession.
I absolutely love A Few Good Men!
there may be something more to that cool kids table idea that meets the eye. I was studying the background history of some of the most influential people from World War II, in particular, those who were behind the creation of the atomic bomb. We don't think of them in that way cuz we focus on scientists, but It would be interesting to read a composite social history of several influential figures including Oppenheimer, FDR, Vannevar Bush, James Conant, Leslie Groves William S. Parsons. look for their relationships with their parents, fathers in particular. And look for any childhood or youth illnesses. look for social relationships in the formative years. might be very enlightening
Loved your comment Aaron Sorkin: How can we have a Democracy while we have elected a Fascist president?
BTW, fantastic show Nicole ❤❤❤
Don’t you think that people are drawn to drama? Why are soap operas so darn popular? Scary movies? Etc! Why do people get so angry at sporting events? Which is a very safe place to vent by the way..drama seems to be in our dna and when tapped into …whoa! We certainly saw mob mentality on January 6th! I was horrified at what I was seeing done by AMERICANS. Many thanks for your work!
Thank You both ! Is exciting To hear you both!!!
Are true Americans going to have to come to Washington an pull him Out of our Whitehouse?? He has destroyed America's Image on the World Stage???😢
I have watched the entire series of The West Wing multiple times and can lip synch every script! I made myself a bumper sticker Bartlet for President. I have wished for a sequel series featuring Rob Lowe as the President, based on the episode where Bartlet told Sam "Don't be afraid. You're gonna be President some day." Best TV show ever!! Looking forward to the new film.
Very interesting and intelligent man Mr Sorking!
Aaron Sorkin will go down in history as being one of the greatest story tellers of all time. He’s in the same class as Rob Reiner. Two great gentlemen. RIP Mr. Reiner. U are deeply missed.
Looking at the thumbnail i clicked for this video, it appears Mark Zuckerberg has turned into Rachel Maddow
You can see our Nicky Stix is ABSOLUTELY FANGIRLING TO have this gent with her ❤❤
I love “The Best People”! Nicolle is such a good news person and moderator! Thanks you! Please write another novel!
Thank you!!! This turns the tide for me. Thank you both for opening up the scope of things much better! 🙏
8:00. When? More like Who. I'll give you a clue… 2016.
How can progress be made without the delivery and acceptance of truth. Sorkin is one of the few great writers left who inspired me to keep writing, and the real test of the times is to relearn how to 'listen'. We live in a tidal wave time of mass communication and content for cash. Of people talking or waiting to talk, and we as a population have fallen prey to interests that benefit from division and fermenting distrust of almost everything. Great interview and reporting honestly Nicole…and thank you for writing that surely makes Dickens, Serling and Paddy C. and Rose proud, Aaron. Can't put you in better company than that!
MF Regan
Great interview…can’t wait to see it tomorrow
💙👏💙👏💙
Zuck was equipped but chose greed over ethics. He originally had a public integrity unit that was concerned with safety, but chose to eliminate it for bigger profits. He was already super rich at the time, but as many rich people are, he became addicted to power and money. No amount is ever enough. If he wanted a free speech "square" there would be no algorhythm to boost crazy lies for profit.
Also, I have a McGovern tote bag that I carry around just to see who stops me – thank goodness I haven’t met that woman who hit you over the head with your McGovern sign. I also have a political poster of him that reads, He stands alone. Maybe not the best caption 🙂 but hey, it was the ‘70’s. Just sharing. Can’t help myself. Sure do love your work…. Send an autograph picture! I’ll put you up next to McGovern
I agree with all you say here except for the sentence, “……he’s human…” Sometimes I wonder…
Fantastic interview! Such a joy to listen to two intelligent, knowledgeable, courageous people who keep hope about America alive! 😊❤❤
The pitchforks are coming
26:13 – Woz did not invent the home computer. The Amiga was around before Apple. So, a closer connection would be Amiga Inc. invented the home computer. The Amiga models were all over the U.K. and in the U.S..
Anyway, otherwise, I enjoyed this chat a lot..besides this part.
Awesome. 🗽💖🎤
🗽💖🎤