‘The Queen’s Gambit’ is being turned into a musical

Late last year, The Queen’s Gambit took the world by storm. Eager for a distraction from the reality of life in a pandemic, many of us became transfixed by the story of an extraordinary chess prodigy named Beth Harmon. A quiet and sullen girl orphaned at a young age, Beth appears rather unremarkable; that is, until she plays her first game of chess.

As Beth rises to the top of the chess world, she finds herself struggling with isolation as well as drug and alcohol dependency, showing viewers just how high the stakes can be in the lesser-known (and often male-centered) world of professional chess.

THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT NATION WE WON AGAIN pic.twitter.com/xMdctoc5Fy

— brunette anya (@anyatcylorjcy) March 8, 2021

The series was based on the novel written by Walter Tevis in 1983 and, shortly after its release, became a household name (a TV checkmate, if you will). The mini-series, which starred Anya Taylor-Joy, recently received two Golden Globe awards, as well as two Critic’s Choice awards. And now, The Queen’s Gambit could be headed to Broadway.

According to Deadline, entertainment company Level Forward has acquired the theatrical stage rights to the fan-beloved show, and intends to develop the story into a stage musical.

In an official statement, Level Forward CEO Adrienne Becker and Producer Julia Dunetz shared their excitement for the project. “Told through a brave and fresh point of view, audiences are already sharing in the friendship and fortitude of the story’s inspiring women who energize and sustain Beth Harmon’s journey and ultimate triumph. The story is a siren call amidst our contemporary struggles for gender and racial equity, and we’re looking forward to moving the project forward.”

In many ways, The Queen’s Gambit seemed like an unlikely hit. On paper, a period-drama centered around the world of chess might lack the more obvious allure or thrill that other series offer. But as it turns out, The Queen’s Gambit became one of Netfix’s most popular limited series – and from the looks of it, the show will go on.

Casting and creative teams for the project have yet to be announced, but Level Forward has previously worked on Alanis Morrissette's musical Jagged Little Pill and Jeremy O. Harris’s provocative Slave Play.

What do you think? Can you imagine Beth Harmon bursting into song?

BEFORE YOU GO: The best looks from the 2021 Critics Choice red carpet

[video_embed id='2155897']BEFORE YOU GO: The best looks from the 2021 Critics Choice red carpet [/video_embed]