16 things you probably didn't know about 'The Queen's Gambit'

Janaki JitchotvisutNov 28, 2020, 20:54 IST

Netflix's "The Queen's Gambit" premiered on October 23, 2020.Netflix

The Netflix series is based on the 1983 novel by the same name, which was written by Walter Tevis.
Chess experts overall have praised the show as more believable than other on-screen adaptations of the sport.
Although much of the show takes place in Kentucky, it wasn't shot in the US.
Anya Taylor-Joy, Harry Melling, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster all starred in popular films that are also book adaptations.

Since its debut on Netflix, "The Queen's Gambit" has taken audiences around the world by storm.

From its distinct visual style to its compelling storytelling, there are careful details that capture your interest as handily as Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) captures pieces on the chessboard.

But even die-hard fans of the show and chess enthusiasts may not know everything about the series.

Read on for 16 behind-the-scenes facts about "The Queen's Gambit."

The Netflix series is based on Walter Tevis' 1983 book by the same name.

Walter Tevis wrote "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

Tevis has written other novels that have been adapted into movies, but none are about chess.

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The show's creators consulted chess experts, including former world chess champion and grand master Garry Kasparov.

World chess champion Gary Kasparov in London, United Kingdom. Howard Boylan/Getty Images

Beth's story is similar to that of a real-life American grand master.

Anya Taylor-Joy on "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

The actors played all of the chess games on "The Queen's Gambit."

Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Anya Taylor-Joy on "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

Although Lexington, Kentucky is the backdrop for most of "The Queen's Gambit," much of the series was shot in Berlin, Germany and Ontario, Canada.

Beth's house on "The Queen's Gambit" is actually in Canada. Netflix

Actress Taylor-Joy was so excited about playing Beth that she literally ran to meet with the show's creator to discuss the role.

Anya Taylor-Joy played Beth Harmon on "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

Taylor-Joy has appeared in several famous films and on an iconic TV series.

Anya Taylor-Joy also starred in "Emma." Universal

You may recognize chess champion Harry Beltik from another famous book adaptation.

Harry Melling on "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

The actor who plays Benny Watts also appeared in "Love, Actually" (2003).

Thomas Brodie-Sangster on "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

Even though the show was set mainly in the 1960s, women weren't allowed to compete in the World Chess Championship until the 1980s.

Beth Harmon was often the only woman or one of few women at chess tournaments on "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

The scenes where Beth looks to the ceiling to visualize moves on the chessboard aren't completely unrealistic.

Chess players regularly look away to visualize plays in their heads. Netflix

Editor Michelle Tesoro was a key part of keeping the chess games interesting to a broad audience.

The chess games were also a narrative device. Netflix

Heath Ledger was working on adapting "The Queen's Gambit" from the page to the screen over a decade ago.

Heath Ledger was set to direct and star in his own adaptation of "The Queen's Gambit." Chris Weeks/Online USA/Getty Images

Costume designer Gabriele Binder deliberately chose Beth's wardrobe to convey certain things about her character.

Beth Harmon's final outfit was symbolic of her groundbreaking win. Netflix

As of November 23, 2020, "The Queen's Gambit" is officially Netflix's most-watched scripted limited series to date.

Along with the show's popularity, interest in chess has also increased. Netflix

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