Jesse Eisenberg has taken on a variety of acclaimed roles throughout his career, from real-life figures (Mark Zuckerberg) to comic book villains (Lex Luthor). The actor and playwright recently reflected on the role that has brought him the most joy and also revealed the sports figure he wants to portray in the future.
Actor and playwright Jesse Eisenberg began his professional acting career in his teenage years. Despite starting in theater, he has expanded his resume to include films, including “The Squid and the Whale,” “Adventureland,” “The Social Network,” and “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”
Recently, Eisenberg shared which role he loved playing the most. He portrayed street magician and master illusionist J. Daniel “Danny” Atlas thrice in the “Now You See Me” franchise, and he’s eager to return to the role, which he described as his “happiest place.”
A fourth installment is currently in the works, although no production timeline or release date has been announced.
Playing The Role Makes The Actor Feel ‘Amazing’
The third “Now You See Me” movie, “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” was released in 2025, and Eisenberg is looking forward to filming the fourth movie. Per The Wrap, it’s what he wants to do “more than anything else.”
“I’ve never felt happier than when playing that part,” the actor said, adding that he typically portrays “depressed people” on screen, which, in turn, makes him feel the same. In contrast, playing “arrogant magician” Danny gives him a confidence boost.
“I walk away everyday thinking, ‘That was amazing.’ It’s the only character where I get to stand up straight and wear a nicer outfit. It’s my happiest place,” Eisenberg said.
The film franchise has seen massive success at the box office. The first film, “Now You See Me,” was released in 2013 and grossed $351 million globally, five times its budget. The sequel, “Now You See Me 2,” hit theaters in 2016 and raked in $334 million, while 2025’s “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” earned $246 million, which totals $931 million across the three films.
Jesse Eisenberg Wants To Revisit Another Role
Looking back on the other characters he played on screen, Eisenberg said he is open to revisiting his character, Nick, in the 2002 dramedy “Roger Dodger,” his first feature film role.
The movie centers on advertising executive and lothario Roger Swanson (Campbell Scott), who takes his 16-year-old nephew Nick for a night out in hopes of teaching him about women and seduction. It was written and directed by Dylan Kidd and also features Isabella Rossellini, Elizabeth Berkley, and Jennifer Beals.
Eiesenberg said the movie comes to mind all the time, adding, “Campbell seemed like a real adult, and I still feel like an 18-year-old boy. I really should pitch the director, Dylan Kidd,” he noted.
Why Isn’t The Actor Coming Back As Mark Zuckerberg?
One role Eisenberg doesn’t want to revisit is Mark Zuckerberg. He gained widespread critical acclaim for portraying the Facebook founder in 2010’s “The Social Network,” earning Best Actor nominations at the Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTA Awards, and SAG Awards.
The movie’s standalone sequel, “The Social Reckoning,” will be released in theaters in October. Writer and director Aaron Sorkin previously revealed that he wanted Eisenberg to reprise his role, but the actor refused, per The Blast. Jeremy Strong has taken on the role for the upcoming movie.
“I don’t want to be associated with him anymore because I don’t really like the comparison,” Eisenberg explained. While the actor empathized with the Facebook founder when he played him, he changed his tune in the years following and has been critical of Zuckerberg’s actions.
Jesse Eisenberg Shares His Dream Role
Eisenberg is fascinated by basketball icon Gregg Popovich, the former coach and current president of the San Antonio Spurs.
“Here’s this tough coach who cries sometimes and talks about the plight of America, and yet he’s also this terrifying figure who can be so mean to journalists,” the actor said. The dual-natured sports figure intrigued Eisenberg for his complex personality.
There are currently no reports of a Popovich biopic, but even if there were, Eisenberg admitted he likely wouldn’t get the role. “I just think I would be very low on the list to be cast as a basketball coach,” he said.