Andrew Garfield, renowned for his dynamic portrayal of iconic roles, from Spider-Man to Desmond Doss, has left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Yet, it’s his performance as Eduardo Saverin in David Fincher’s “The Social Network” that continues to resonate years later. The film, depicting the tumultuous beginnings of Facebook and the rift between Saverin and Mark Zuckerberg, showcased Garfield’s ability to bring complex characters to life.
In “The Social Network,” Garfield’s portrayal of Eduardo Saverin tugged at our heartstrings as we witnessed his character being ousted from Facebook. However, the real Saverin’s story didn’t end there. Today, he is a billionaire residing in Singapore, a far cry from the ousted Facebook co-founder we sympathized with on screen. In a candid interview with Esquire, Garfield humorously remarked, “People think Eduardo [got] *** over, but he’s a billionaire in Singapore, and I’m sitting here sweating, talking shit about myself to a bunch of *** strangers.”
Forbes reports confirm that Saverin’s fortune amounts to a staggering $36.8 billion, placing him among the global elite. Having relocated to Singapore, Saverin has successfully reinvented himself as a venture capitalist with a significant stake in Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook.
Andrew Garfield Reflects on ‘The Social Network’ and Its Legacy
While Garfield may not be involved in the potential sequel to “The Social Network,” his interest in the project remains high. Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin has expressed interest in crafting a follow-up focusing on the alleged role of social media in the 2021 Capitol Riots. Garfield commented on the potential of a sequel, saying, “I think anything that Aaron does is going to be really, really powerful and interesting, and if he’s feeling drawn to a subject, you know there’s going to be some juice in it.”
The prospect of revisiting the complex narratives of social media’s influence on society is both exciting and daunting. While Garfield doubts his character’s return, given Saverin’s current status, the actor cherishes his experiences working with Sorkin. Describing it as akin to “working with one of our great playwrights,” Garfield’s appreciation for Sorkin’s craftsmanship is palpable.
The Continued Impact of ‘The Social Network’
As we reflect on the impact of “The Social Network,” it’s clear that the film did more than just narrate the origins of a social media giant—it also highlighted the human stories behind the headlines. Garfield’s portrayal of Saverin brought attention to the personal costs of immense technological and financial success. With Saverin now thriving as a venture capitalist in Singapore, his real-life success story offers a compelling coda to the cinematic narrative of loss and betrayal.
“The Social Network” is available for streaming on Netflix, allowing new audiences to discover the film’s intricate storytelling and Garfield’s compelling performance. As we await potential new chapters in this saga, the film continues to spark discussions about ambition, friendship, and the power dynamics that shape the digital age.