Anya Taylor-Joy stars as chess prodigy Beth Harmon, with Bill Camp as her adoptive father Mr. Shaibel and Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Benny Watts in Netflix’s ‘The Queen’s Gambit‘.
Main cast
- Beth HarmonAnya Taylor-Joy1Main
- Mr. ShaibelBill Camp1Main
- Benny WattsThomas Brodie-Sangster1Main
- Alma WheatleyMarielle Heller1Main
- Harry BeltikHarry Melling1Main
Supporting cast
- D.L. TownesJacob Fortune-Lloyd1Supp
- Vasily BorgovMarcin Dorociński1Supp
- Mrs. DeardorffIsla Johnston1Supp
- Young Beth HarmonIsla Johnston1Supp
- Alice HarmonChloe Pirrie1Supp
Guest & voice
- PaulPatrick Kennedy1Guest
- MattChristian Contreras1Guest
- NinaRebecca Root1Guest
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About this cast
Set during the Cold War era, ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ follows orphaned chess prodigy Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) as she rises to the top of the male-dominated world of competitive chess while battling addiction. The acclaimed limited series also features a standout ensemble including Harry Melling as Harry Beltik and Marielle Heller as Alma Wheatley.
FAQs
Who plays Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit?
Anya Taylor-Joy plays the lead role of Beth Harmon, a chess prodigy, in the Netflix limited series ‘The Queen’s Gambit’.
Is The Queen’s Gambit based on a true story?
No, the series is an adaptation of Walter Tevis’s 1983 novel of the same name, though it draws on real chess history and figures.
How many episodes are in The Queen’s Gambit?
The series consists of seven episodes, all released on Netflix in October 2020.
Who plays Benny Watts in The Queen’s Gambit?
Benny Watts, the American chess champion, is played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026