Jesse Eisenberg Reflects on Avoided Meeting with Zuckerberg

Jesse Eisenberg, who portrayed Mark Zuckerberg in the 2010 film 'The Social Network,' recently recounted his thwarted attempt to meet Zuckerberg while preparing for the role. Despite his eagerness to conduct research, producers advised against the meeting due to legal concerns, prompting a call from producer Scott Rudin to halt his plans. Eisenberg reflected on this experience during an episode of The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast, noting the importance of understanding the character he was embodying. In addition, Eisenberg has voiced criticism towards Zuckerberg and other tech billionaires for not using their wealth to contribute positively to society, particularly in light of Zuckerberg's decisions regarding fact-checking on Meta's platforms. He expressed confusion about powerful individuals not engaging in altruistic efforts, citing his wife's advocacy work as a contrasting example. Eisenberg's new project, 'A Real Pain,' has earned him further recognition, securing an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.