Movies about recent history can be hit-or-miss, especially when they deal with a subject as touchy as social media. Despite being about wealthy Ivy League students inventing a website that allows them to rate co-eds,The Social Networkis a resounding hit that provides insight on the creation of Facebook. Starring Jesse Eisenberg as Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg, Armie Hammer as both of the Winklevoss twins, Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker, Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin, and many more, the movie focuses on the lawsuits and power struggle that arose once people realized that Zuckerberg was on to something big.
Directed by David Fincher, famous for his psychological thriller films, and written by Aaron Sorkin, known for his whip-smart dialogue, the movie has viewers at the edge of their seats. Over a decade later, the eight-time-Oscar-nominated movie has held up as a critically-acclaimed historical drama. Not only did the movie endure, but it also furthered the acting careers of its stars, having given them the perfect opportunity to showcase their talent. Since then, the stars have all gone on to see varying degrees of success. Here’s where each actor’s career has taken them, from racy films adapted from hit novels to superhero flicks.
Jesse Eisenberg Is An Actor And A Playwright
Jesse Eisenbergplayed the famous–or perhaps now infamous–Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for the role at the 83rd Academy Awards, but lost out to Colin Firth inThe King’s Speech. Since then, Eisenberg has appeared in two Woody Allen films,To Rome With LoveandCafe Society, played Lex Luthor in aBatman v Supermanmovie, and wrote and starred in three plays;Asuncion,The Revisionist, andThe Spoils.
Rooney Mara IsThe Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Rooney Marahad a smaller role inThe Social Nertwork, appearing as supporting character Erica Albright. Since then, her acting career broke through when she was cast as the lead, Lisbeth Salander, in the hit film adaptationThe Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The role garnered her a Best Actress Academy Award nomination, which no doubt launched her to A-list status. Since then, she’s appeared in the widely celebrated Todd Haynes filmCarolas well as the Sundance favoriteA Ghost Story.
Andrew Garfield Is Silent, And Spiderman
The British and American actor won a BAFTA back in 2007 for his role in a UK made-for-TV film calledA Boy. His role asinvestor Eduardo SaverininThe Social Networktruly launched him to stardom, though, as he’s been working in Hollywood practically nonstop ever since.Andrew Garfieldwas the titular Spider-man in two big-budgetSpider-manmovies, and demonstrated incredible range by also starring in Martin Scorsese’s epicSilenceas well as the war dramaHacksaw Ridge.
Justin Timberlake Took A Look In The “Mirror”
Justin Timberlakehas been a successful musician since his days in the chart-topping boy band NSYNC. He even had an extremely lucrative solo career after leaving the group, and before pivoting to acting for a few years. After his well-recieved role inThe Social Network, Timberlake had roles in films like the comedyBad Teacherwith Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel and starred opposite Mila Kunis inFriends With Benefits. He then went back to music, creating hit singles like “Mirror” and “Suit & Tie” before going back to film, voice acting in the animated filmTrolls. He also made a hit song for the soundtrack of the popular children’s movie.
Brenda Song Is Still A Disney Channel Star
Brenda Songgot her start on Disney Channel, acting in shows and TV-movies popular with kids. She starred inWendy Wu: Homecoming Warriorand had a main part in the seriesThe Suite Life of Zack & Codyand its spin-offThe Suite Life on Deck. AfterThe Social Network, song started booking larger roles beyond children’s fare, appearing in hit drama seriesScandal, quirky comedyNew Girl, and medical dramaPure Genius. She has made a return to Disney Channel, voice acting in the showAmphibia, while also starring in the decidedly adult showDollfaceon Hulu, about a woman’s return to female friendship after a breakup.
Call Armie Hammer By His Name
Armand “Armie” Hammer played both twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss inThe Social Network. The Winklevosses, classmates of Zuckerberg who eventually sued him claiming he stole their idea that eventually became Facebook, are currently billionaires. After appearing as the twins,Armie Hammeracted in historical drama films likeJ. EdgarandOn The Basis of Sex, which was about the life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. His most acclaimed role to date, however, is in the gay coming-of-age romance filmCall Me By Your Name, which starred Hammer opposite then-newcomer Timothee Chalamet.
Rashida Jones Is A Sitcom Star
WhileRashida Jonesonly had a small part inThe Social Network, it was one of only a few appearances in the television star’s film career. Jones is best known for her roles as Karen Filippelli inThe Officeand Ann Perkins inParks and Recreation, two wildly popular sitcoms with huge followings and new audiences discovering them all the time via streaming services. Other than her two main television roles, she’s appeared in movies like the heartbreaking rom-comCeleste and Jesse Forever, opposite comedian Andy Samberg. She also co-wroteToy Story 4, and produced a film about the sex work industry for Netflix calledHot Girls Wanted.
Dakota Johnson IsFifty ShadesOf Successful
The daughter of two acting legends, Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith,Dakota Johnsonhas made a name for herself in the industry for starring in the film adaptations of the hit trilogyFifty Shades of Grey. Since then, she’s appeared in everything from romantic comedies likeHow to Be Singleto dramas likeBlack Massand even thriller remakeSuspiria. While her bit part inThe Social Networkwasn’t her breakthrough per se, it did certainly open doors in the industry to have a credit in the award-winning film.
