Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder, and A24 are teaming up once again to adapt author Ben Mezrich’s book proposal into the compelling film ‘Checkmate.’
Variety has confirmed that following their successful collaboration on ‘The Curse,’ Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder, and A24 are delving into the competitive and intense realm of chess with their latest project, ‘Checkmate.’
This intriguing narrative is set against the backdrop of what is described as “the biggest scandal in the history of chess,” focusing on the controversial 2022 match between Grandmasters Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann. Niemann, amidst accusations of cheating during the high-stakes encounter, ignited a storm of controversy within the chess community.
A heated bidding war broke out among multiple studios and streaming platforms competing for the rights to ‘Checkmate.’
In the end, A24 emerged as the winner, reportedly securing the deal with a significant seven-figure offer, according to Variety. Nathan Fielder is currently attached to direct the project, while Emma Stone and her husband Dave McCary are set to produce under their Fruit Tree banner.
The partnership between Stone, Fielder, and A24 expands upon the triumph of their prior collaboration, the acclaimed Showtime series ‘The Curse,’ expected to make a splash during awards season.
This new venture represents another strategic step for Stone’s Fruit Tree production company, which recently unveiled an untitled film project at Universal.