A24 has outmaneuvered Hollywood studios and streaming giants to acquire the rights to “Checkmate,” a highly sought-after feature package based on a book proposal by Ben Mezrich, the author behind the adaptations of “The Social Network” and “Dumb Money.”
The project, if deals are finalized, will bring together Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder, who recently graced the cover of “The Hollywood Reporter” magazine and starred in the Showtime series “The Curse.” Fielder will direct the project, and Stone, in partnership with her husband and partner, Dave McCary, will produce it through their Fruit Tree production company. This collaboration also marks a reunion for the pair with A24, the studio behind “The Curse.”
“Checkmate” delves into the biggest scandal in the history of chess, focusing on the generational clash between Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen and the young, controversial chess prodigy, Hans Niemann.
The latter faced accusations of cheating in one of their head-to-head matches, igniting a scandal that transcended the chess world. The story not only explores rivalry and scandal, but also the rise of the billion-dollar chess industry and the clash between tradition and innovation within the game.
The sale of “Checkmate” resembled a classic chess gambit, with a book proposal consisting of 12 pages being circulated to various studios and streamers with different talent and producers attached. For instance, Ron Howard was attached to Direct, with “Air” screenwriter Alex Convery headlining a package sent to Amazon.
Netflix and Apple received a package with Welsh actor Taron Egerton attached to star, while “Harry Potter” producer David Heyman was involved in a proposal sent to Warner Bros. A total of six producers were reportedly involved in the bidding process.
The streamers and a studio were preparing offers when A24 boldly presented a seven-figure guarantee with a 30-minute deadline. A24’s aggressive approach stunned executives and agents, who swiftly accepted the offer. One insider remarked, “I’ve never seen A24 do that before,” while another source noted, “I guess A24 is competing now.”
Known for its edgy and critically acclaimed films, A24 has recently announced plans to scale up its productions, with “Civil War,” Alex Garland’s $55 million thriller, serving as a prototype for the company’s future ambitions.
Although A24 faced challenges in acquiring certain projects, such as being outbid for Danny Boyle’s “28 Years Later,” the studio was determined to secure the right project that aligned with its vision. That project proved to be “Checkmate.”
CAA represents Ben Mezrich, while WME and Anonymous Content represent Emma Stone and Fruit Tree, with Mosaic as co-manager. UTA and Rise Management are Nathan Fielder’s agents.
As A24 continues to make bold moves in the industry, “Checkmate” promises to be an intriguing and highly anticipated project, bringing together a talented team to tell a captivating story that combines the worlds of chess, scandal, and the ever-evolving landscape of the game.
The Information in Taken from The Hindu and AOL
