Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder, stars of “The Curse,” are collaborating with A24 to produce “Checkmate,” a film based on Ben Mezrich’s book proposal about the controversial 2022 chess match between Chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen and rising star Hans Niemann.
According to Variety, there was fierce competition to acquire the film rights, with multiple streaming platforms and studios expressing interest. A24 reportedly made an undisclosed seven-figure offer for the project, with deals still being finalized.
Insiders revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that A24’s offer was accepted swiftly after being given a “30-minute timer.” Fielder is set to direct the film, while Stone and her partner Dave McCarry will produce.
This isn’t the first time Mezrich’s work has been adapted for the screen. His previous books have led to films like “The Antisocial Network,” adapted into the 2023 film “Dumb Money,” and “The Accidental Billionaires,” which inspired the Oscar-winning film “The Social Network.”
A24 has a track record of successful projects, including the critically acclaimed “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” which became their highest-grossing film to date, earning over $144 million at the box office and winning multiple Oscars in 2023. Their recent release, “Civil War,” has also been a commercial success, grossing over $66 million worldwide.
Mezrich’s “Checkmate” book proposal delves into what he describes as the “biggest scandal in the history of chess.” Carlsen accused Niemann of cheating during the September 2022 Sinquefield Cup, leading to a dismissed $100 million lawsuit.
While Carlsen didn’t specify the nature of the cheating, he admitted to it on Chess.com. The website released a report suggesting Niemann had “likely cheated” during online matches.
“Checkmate” has yet to announce an official release date.
