UPDATE: CNET has received some casting and possible plot details from someone in the industry…
“…early casting searches are under way and that the list of young actors being eyeballed to play Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg includes both Michael Cera (“Superbad,” “Arrested Development”) and Shia LaBeouf (“Transformers”). They aren’t the only ones, and it’s not clear whether either of those two in-demand actors would want to take a turn away from comedies (Cera) or action movies (LaBeouf) to play Zuckerberg.
Cera is, according to the source, a top choice because audiences find him particularly likable. Rumors about the plot of the book “Accidental Billionaires” hint that Zuckerberg is going to be portrayed rather unfavorably–basically, as an obnoxious nerd–and obnoxious nerds are not the world’s biggest box-office sell. Cera could make the part a little bit more sympathetic.”
I could see Michael Cera playing Zuckerberg, but if he’s cast, seems like it should be a comedy… and I don’t see Fincher directing a silly comedy.
As far as Shia LaBeouf goes, of course he’s being considered for the role. Is there a movie made today that he’s not in or rumored to be starring?
Original Article: With a global userbase of just over 200 million, there is no denying that Facebook is extremely popular. But, will the social sites popularity turn into ticket sales when the movie comes out?
Facebook: The Movie, which is tentatively being called “The Social Network“, is currently in the works.
The movie will be an adaptation of Ben Mezrich’s upcoming book “The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, a Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal“. (You might recognize Mezrich’s name from his other book “Bringing Down the House” which was adapted for the screen with the title “21”). The Accidental Billionaires hits store shelves on July 14th.
Kevin Spacey, a producer for the film, wrote a review of the book for Amazon. Below is a section from it…
“Eduardo Saverin and Mark Zuckerberg were two geeky, socially awkward Harvard undergrads who wanted nothing more than to be cool. While Eduardo chose the more straightforward path of trying to gain acceptance into one of the school’s ultra-posh, semi-secret Final Clubs, Mark used his computer skills by hacking into Harvard’s computers, pulling up all the pictures of every girl on campus to create a sort of “hot-or-not” site exclusive to Harvard. Though the prank nearly got Mark kicked out of college, he and Eduardo realized that they were on to something big. Thus, the initial concept of Facebook was born; what happened next, however, was right out of a Hollywood thriller.”
Columbia Pictures, the studio behind the film, plans to start production later this year and is currently in “advanced talks” with David Fincher to direct. (Yes, THAT David Fincher)
For those of you not familiar with David Fincher’s resume (shame on you) he’s directed Se7en, Fight Club, Zodiac and most recently The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
If Columbia is able to land Fincher, it will give the project instant credibility, more so than say if Brett Ratner was attached. Some moviegoers will see the film just based on Fincher directing it.
Am I alone in thinking that this project doesn’t really suit Fincher’s style? Tell us.
Variety gives the following description of “The Social Network”…
“The film will focus on the evolution of Facebook from its 2004 creation on the Harvard campus by sophomore Mark Zuckerberg to a juggernaut with more than 200 million members.”
“The Social Network” was written by Aaron Sorkin and is being produced by Scott Rudin and Michael De Luca along with Trigger Street’s Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti.
Will you go see this movie if it comes out? Why or Why not?
It should be noted that Facebook isn’t thrilled with the movie and have warned employees not to talk to anyone affiliated with the film.
Just for fun: Here is an image of Mark Zuckerbeg, Facebook creator and CEO, leave a comment below with your ideas for casting.
