Following the breakout success of the Netflix Original series The Queen’s Gambit, many predicted the streamer would attempt to catch lightning in a bottle a second time around. Rumours have been circling continuously about the prospect of The Queen’s Gambit season two, but it appears increasingly unlikely that Anya Taylor-Joy’s chess champion Beth Harmon will return to the small screens. Here’s everything we know about the series.
The Queen’s Gambit Season 2 Rumours
There are currently no plans to produce a second season of The Queen’s Gambit. As the drama was a limited series produced by Netflix, we can’t be certain of a follow-up and what’s more, there is little source material to pull from.
The first season of The Queen’s Gambit was based on the book of the same name, with the series covering almost every major event to the very last page. This would mean a new addition would force the writers to venture out into a new world past the existing material, and comments from the series executive producer, aren’t exactly hopeful.
Speaking with Town and Country Magazine, executive producer William Horberg spoke about how the first season ended. “The last scene feels like a beautiful note to end the show on, so I’m not sure if we want to go on and answer that question,” Horberg stated. “Maybe we can just let the audience imagine what comes next.” While audiences may be happy to close the door on this character, we’re certainly itching to see more.
Star Anya Taylor-Joy similarly reflected on the pleasant way the first season wrapped up the story, although also stated that she “would certainly come back if I was asked to”. We can’t imagine the series with anyone else in the role, so this is a huge relief.
Co-star Harry Melling, who plays Harry Beltik (who you also may have recognised as a much older Dudley Dursley from the Harry Potter franchise), seemed just as enthusiastic about a sequel season. Melling shared the affection of audiences towards the show, saying “It’d be good, right, a Queen’s Gambit part two? The place we end in the limited series is the place we end in the book. I don’t know if there can be another one, but stranger things have happened.”
It’s not unusual to see screen adaptions go on past the source material, like Game of Thrones for example. This may not be the best example, however, with their final season failing to impress fans. As we’ve seen with the Justice League movie and its Snyder Cut, the outcry of fans can be a powerful tool. There’s certainly been a similar call from fans of The Queen’s Gambit for a second season, so we’ll have to wait and see.
What Could a Second Queen’s Gambit Season Look Like?
While it’s highly unlikely that we’ll see The Queen’s Gambit return, that hasn’t stopped the internet from speculating on a potential plot. The limited series ended with Anya Taylor-Joy’s Beth taking out the world champion of chess, and in turn, becoming the champion herself. In our opinion, this alone opens a treasure chest of plot points, as there’ll be no shortage of challengers coming for her title. We could see Beth travel the world playing chess, taking on challenges away from home. If necessary, we could see a time jump from the 1960s to the 1970s, seeing how Beth’s years of being a champion (or not) have changed her.
Along with these external challenges, we could see Beth struggle with the stresses and pressure of being the best. These internal conflicts are a great opportunity to explore and reflect on some deep and personal character moments. Personal problems could challenge the friendships and alliances Beth has made over the first season of the show, resulting in great character development for all.
Outside of the world of chess, season two of The Queen’s Gambit could give us the chance to explore more of Beth’s troubled childhood. Moments of self-reflection and panic could trigger flashbacks, giving us a better understanding of Beth herself. Supporting characters could also take the spotlight in a sequel season, exploring the lives of those around Beth and how their association affects them.
Where to Watch The Queen’s Gambit in Australia
The Queen’s Gambit is available on Netflix in Australia and around the world. After its success, we can’t imagine it’ll be taken down any time soon, but you’ll want to watch ASAP to see what all the fuss is about. Netflix also like to keep their own productions available to subscribers, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it.
The Queen’s Gambit FAQs
A limited series is essentially a mini-series, lasting only 4-10 episodes where the story will be completed within this time frame.
It is uncertain whether there will be a Queen’s Gambit Season 2, as it was only ever planned as a limited series, and there is no more source material.
Anya Taylor-Joy plays Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit.
