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'The Queen's Gambit': Release date, plot, cast, trailer and all you need to know about Netflix period miniseries

Anya Taylor-Joy stars as orphan Beth Harmon, an immensely-skilled chess player with a troubled childhood and substance addiction

'The Queens Gambit' has an impressive trailer, and watching it piques interest as Netflix presents a new series that follows a chess prodigy who battles addiction while making a name for herself on a global scale. The miniseries is based on the 1983 novel of the same name by Walter Tevis. The six-episode series has been one of the most-anticipated shows this year and will finally premiere on the streaming platform this October. Here's everything you need to know ahead of its release.

Release date

'The Queens Gambit' releases on Friday, October 23, 2020, on Netflix.

Plot

Anya Taylor-Joy stars as orphan Beth Harmon, an immensely-skilled chess player with a dire childhood. As she rises meteorically in the world of chess, so does her addiction to tranquilizers. The official synopsis reads: "When winning takes everything, what are you left with? The Queen’s Gambit follows a young chess prodigy’s rise from an orphanage to the world stage. But genius comes with a cost. A riveting adaptation of Walter Tevis’ groundbreaking novel comes to Netflix on October 23, starring Anya Taylor-Joy."

Cast

Anya Taylor-Joy

The series stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon. Taylor-Joy is best known for 'The Witch' (2015) and as Emma Woodhouse in the comedy-drama 'Emma' (2020). Her other major works include 'Peaky Blinders' and 'The Dark Crystal: Age of Renaissance'. She played Magik in 'The New Mutants' that released in August this year.

Moses Ingram as Jolene

Ingram plays Jolene, an older orphan with a close relationship with Beth. Her previous works include, "Day 74' and 'Sis'.

Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Benny Watts

The 'Love Actually' star plays one of Beth's toughest opponents. The actor is best known for playing Newt in the 'Maze Runner' film series. He also starred in critically acclaimed cult films such as 'Death of a Superhero' (2011), 'Bright Star' (2009) and 'Nowhere Boy' (2009).

Bill Camp plays Mr Shaibel, a janitor who introduces Beth to chess. Camp is known for his supporting roles in 'Lincoln' (2012), '12 Years a Slave' (2013) and 'Love and Mercy' (2015). Harry Melling ('Harry Potter') essays Harry Beltika and Marielle Heller ('A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood') round up the rest of the cast.

Writer/Director

The miniseries was developed by Scott Frank ('Godless') and Allan Scott ('The Preacher's Wife') with the former serving as the director. William Horberg joins the duo as the executive producer.

Trailer

Watch this space for more updates on 'The Queens Gambit'.

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