A24, on a mission to be more proactive in securing projects, has just made a major move by acquiring Checkmate, a highly sought-after feature package centered around a book proposal from author Ben Mezrich, known for works like The Social Network and Dumb Money, which were adapted into films.
If all deals go through, Checkmate will reunite Emma Stone with Nathan Fielder, both featured in the recent edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine and stars of the Showtime series The Curse. Fielder is set to direct, with Stone producing alongside her husband and partner Dave McCary through their Fruit Tree banner. This project also marks a reunion with A24, which supported The Curse. While the book deal is said to be nearly finalized, negotiations for talent deals are ongoing.
Checkmate, in typical Mezrich style, delves into a true-life story with intriguing angles still unfolding. The book proposal focuses on a scandal in the world of chess, centering on the clash between Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen and the controversial figure of Hans Niemann. Niemann was accused of cheating during a high-stakes match, sparking a scandal that reverberated beyond the chess community. Alongside the rivalry and scandal, the story explores the emergence of a billion-dollar chess industry and the clash between tradition and innovation in the game.
The sale of Checkmate followed a traditional, yet effective, approach reminiscent of past spec or package sales. The 12-page book proposal, featuring various talent and producers, was circulated among studios and streamers. For instance, Ron Howard was attached to direct a package sent to Amazon, while Netflix and Apple had a package with Taron Egerton attached to star. Offers were in motion from various parties when A24 made a bold move with a lucrative offer, complete with a 30-minute deadline, ultimately sealing the deal.
A24’s aggressive move left industry insiders surprised, signaling the company’s intention to compete at a higher level. While A24 has gained acclaim for its edgy and modest-budget productions, it recently announced plans to expand, exemplified by its latest release, Civil War, directed by Alex Garland. Despite facing challenges, such as being outbid for projects like Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later, A24’s determination to assert its influence is evident with Checkmate.
Mezrich is represented by CAA, while Stone and Fruit Tree are represented by WME and Anonymous Content. Fielder is represented by UTA and Rise Management.
