Deep Thoughts: The 'Social Network' & The Latino Behind Facebook

By Michael Lopez

There is no denying that Facebook is a major presence in all of our daily lives (which reminds us, have you had a chance to LIKE the Tr3s Fan Page yet?). But most of us don’t have a clue about who was behind it and how it all got started.

And those who are tuned-in to founder Mark Zuckerberg’s saga (which will be profiled in the new “Social Network” movie) might not be aware that another major presence in Facebook’s inception was Brazilian-born Eduardo Saverin. Much of the film is based on the relationship between these two now legendary web heroes.

For most of us, it’s hard to find drama in a story where everyone walks away a billionaire, but you’d be surprised. Ruined friendships, destructive lawsuits, and tarnished images all arose from that cute blue and white Wall where we post our daily updates.

Back in 2003, when Eduardo and Mark were best buds at Harvard, everything seemed fine. But add in a revolutionary business idea and the opportunity to become very, VERY rich and you’ve got a saga worthy of big budget Hollywood movie.

And that’s exactly what happened. It all started when Eduardo (who went on to sue Zuckerberg for Facebook ownership rights) told his story to author Ben Mezrich. Mezrich then took those details and penned the hugely successful book that 'The Social Network' is based on.

Eduardo Saverin. Photo via Google Images

The most interesting thing now is that Mezrich claims Saverin never really wanted the story out in the public. As he told the New York Daily News, "Eduardo wanted to speak on the subject, but he wasn't thinking book, movie - I'm going to get Mark." Of course, that's exactly what happened, with the upcoming flick portraying Saverin and Zuckerberg as brutal enemies.

Is that how Eduardo feels today? For the most part, he isn't talking. There have been no interviews, no public postings, nothing at all relating to the release of the upcoming film. Perhaps he's just too busy counting the $1.1 billion he won from the Zuckerberg lawsuit.

So yes, 'The Social Network' looks like a very interesting movie and goes into this fascinating story with much greater detail (there’s even some early Oscar buzz). But we do have to issue one complaint…would it have killed you to cast a Latino in Eduardo’s role? Don't worry, we'll still see it anyway.

'The Social Network' arrives in theatres this Friday (October 1).

Source: [NY Daily News]

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Tags Eduardo Saverin, Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, Movies, Movies & CineMás, The Social Network