A24 has acquired the rights for ‘Checkmate,’ a chess film centered on a book proposal by Ben Mezrich, in a whopping seven-figure deal. Mezrich’s books have been adapted into films such as The Social Network and Dumb Money.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone will reunite for ‘Checkmate,’ having previously collaborated on the satirical black comedy thriller ‘The Curse‘ for A24.
‘Checkmate’ will be directed by Fielder, with Stone producing alongside her husband and partner Dave McCary through the duo’s Fruit Tree banner.
What is ‘Checkmate’ About?
‘Checkmate’ will spotlight the biggest scandal in the history of chess, focusing on the generational battle between Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen and the young bad boy of chess, Hans Niemann. The latter was accused of cheating in one of the pair’s head-to-head matches, which became an all-consuming scandal in the world of chess and beyond. Per the package, the story is not only about the rivalry and the scandal, but the macro backdrop is the rise of a billion-dollar chess industry and the so-called “collision of tradition and innovation” in the game.
The sale of “Checkmate” was done in a traditional way, like how things used to be. The 12-page book proposal included different talent and producers and was sent to various studios and streamers.
According to an insider, the ‘Checkmate’ deal left executives and agents’ heads spinning: “I’ve never seen A24 do that before.”
More news about ‘Checkmate’ will be coming soon.
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