Acclaimed screenwriter Aaron Sorkin has revealed he is working on a new film project that will tackle the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol – and directly blame Facebook for its role in the events of that day.
In an interview on The Ringer’s “The Town” podcast, Sorkin, known for films like The Social Network and shows like The Newsroom, dropped this intriguing tidbit about his next script.
When asked about Facebook’s role in creating insular online echo chambers, Sorkin stated, “If we want to know why [I believe Facebook is responsible for January 6], we’ll need to buy a movie ticket.”
He went on to accuse Facebook of intentionally “tuning its algorithm to promote the most divisive material possible” in order to increase user engagement and scrolling on the platform.
Sorkin directly criticized Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, saying there is no balance between growth and integrity at the company – only a focus on endless growth and profits.
“If Mark Zuckerberg woke up and realized there’s nothing you can buy for $120 billion that you can’t buy for $119 billion, how about if I make a little less money and tune up integrity and tune down growth?” Sorkin questioned.
While he did not outright confirm the project is a sequel to his 2010 hit The Social Network, which was a scathing portrayal of Facebook’s origins, Sorkin coyly said he had “said enough” on the matter.
His comments provide a fascinating tease that one of Hollywood’s top writers is taking on the controversial role of social media platforms like Facebook in amplifying misinformation and division that led to the January 6 riots.
With Sorkin’s talents and his past criticism of Facebook, this upcoming film could deliver a provocative exploration of culpability in the events that shook American democracy.