Alright, so y’all remember The Queen’s Gambit, right? That binge-worthy chess drama that basically slapped 2020 right in the face when it dropped on Netflix? Yeah, that one — the show that made a bunch of us suddenly care way more about pawns and bishops than ever before.
Anyway, here’s the kicker: It’s 2025 now, and I got curious. What the heck happened to the queen’s gambit cast? Because honestly, some of those faces vanished from my screen like my favorite socks in the laundry. Others? They’re killing it. Let’s get into it.
Anya Taylor-Joy – The Beth Harmon Magic
Starting off with the star herself — Anya Taylor-Joy. She wasn’t just Beth Harmon; she was the reason the whole thing worked. I mean, I’m no chess player, but watching her stare down an opponent? Chills.
Since 2020, Anya’s career has been nothing short of wild. I’m talking The Northman, Last Night in Soho, and the upcoming Furiosa—yeah, the Mad Max prequel. This girl’s been everywhere. She’s won a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and basically all the awards you pretend to know about at parties.
I gotta admit, I even tried to channel some of her style once—ended up looking like a confused owl. Not my finest hour.
In 2025, Anya’s diving into her first directing gig. Yep, she’s not just acting anymore. Directing! I remember reading somewhere — wait, was it in the Hollywood Insider? — that this directorial debut has a wicked cool sci-fi vibe. Makes me wanna dust off my old VHS of Blade Runner.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster – The Chessboard’s Charmer
Then there’s Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who played Benny Watts — the cocky, charismatic chess champ with that smirk like he knew exactly what he was doing. Spoiler: He kinda did.
Post-Gambit, Thomas has been hella busy. He popped up in the BBC’s Pistol series, reprising his music guru vibes. Also, fun fact: He’s still the voice of Ferb from Phineas and Ferb—which, honestly, blew my mind. I thought that show was ancient!
Last I checked (yesterday, actually), he’s back on stage in London’s West End. The dude even tied the knot recently—so congratulations, Thomas! Hopefully, he’s not as hopeless at dating as I am. (Spoiler: I am.)
Marielle Heller – From Mom to Director Extraordinaire
Marielle Heller was Beth’s adoptive mom, Alma Wheatley — a role that stuck with me for days. Something about her quiet strength just hit.
Post-show, Marielle went back to what she does best: directing. She made The Glass Garden (which is a must-watch, btw) and produced the mini-series Little Fires Everywhere. I guess motherhood inspired her real-life directing hustle too.
2025 finds Marielle helming a biopic about Nellie Bly, the OG investigative journalist. I read this somewhere — in a crumpled-out Variety magazine I found in a coffee shop— and I’m stoked. Women directors kicking ass? Always a win.
Harry Melling – From Dudley to Chess Dude
Remember Dudley Dursley from Harry Potter? Yeah, that was Harry Melling, who turned into a charming chess rival, Harry Beltik.
He’s really transformed. Like, from “Why’s he always bullying Harry Potter?” to “Hey, he’s actually talented.” Classic glow-up.
Since the queen’s gambit cast, Harry’s been in some wild stuff — playing Edgar Allan Poe in The Pale Blue Eye and some indie flicks that apparently blew minds at Sundance. I have yet to see those films because, you know, my social calendar is basically Netflix and my couch.
In 2025, word on the street is he’s gonna pop up in Black Mirror’s next season. Fingers crossed he gets a cool tech-dystopia role. Maybe he’ll finally explain quantum chess to me.
Moses Ingram – Jolene’s Journey
Jolene, Beth’s childhood friend — that was Moses Ingram. She had that emotional gravitas, and I think she’s been quietly climbing ever since.
She starred in Obi-Wan Kenobi (yes, Star Wars vibes), and even snagged a Lady Macduff role in Macbeth. Fancy, right?
Right now, Moses is producing her own Hulu drama. I’m not kidding, this girl’s on fire. And Time Magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people of 2025. That’s huge.
I kinda hope she invites me to the premiere. I promise to wear real shoes.
Chloe Pirrie – Beth’s Mother, Brief but Impactful
Chloe Pirrie, who played Beth’s mom (Alice Harmon), didn’t get a ton of screen time, but man, her presence was unforgettable.
Since then, she’s been on The Crown and a couple of gritty British dramas. If you ever want to feel posh and melancholic at the same time, she’s your go-to.
I’m pretty sure she’s got some serious theater chops too. Last I heard, she was gearing up for an HBO Max thriller called Cold Eden — sounds chill, literally.
Jacob Fortune-Lloyd – The Journalist with a Smile
Jacob played D.L. Townes, the earnest journalist with the soft smile.
He’s been in The Great, The Power, and some European stage plays. Honestly, the dude’s got that “I’m nice but mysterious” vibe.
This year, he’s starring in a Netflix spy thriller called Agent T — don’t ask me if the T stands for “terrible spy” because that’s probably just me.
Bill Camp – The Wise Chess Mentor
Bill Camp was Mr. Shaibel, the janitor who taught Beth her first moves. That guy gave me chills. Also, he’s got that face you know but can’t place.
He’s done tons of supporting roles in Joker sequels and courtroom dramas. Also, he’s teaching acting classes at NYU now. Makes me wanna pick up a book or something.
Christiane Seidel – The Orphanage Boss
Christiane Seidel, who ran the orphanage in the show, is a bit of a quiet force. Since the show, she’s been in Godless and Boardwalk Empire.
In 2025, she’s starring in a WWII drama set in Berlin. Also, she’s active in film education for girls — super cool.
Quick Recap: The Queen’s Gambit Cast in 2025
- Anya’s directing and sci-fi starring.
- Thomas is back on the West End, married, thriving.
- Marielle is directing big biopics.
- Harry’s doing indie flicks and TV thrillers.
- Moses is producing and Time 100 famous.
- Chloe’s in British drama and theater.
- Jacob’s the new Netflix spy.
- Bill’s mentoring future actors.
- Christiane’s on European screens and empowering girls.
Pretty wild lineup, huh?
Did the Show Actually Boost Their Careers?
Heck yeah.
This wasn’t just a show—it was a career-launching rocket for many of the queen’s gambit cast. I mean, my neighbor Tina swears her kale patch gave her more focus after watching the show. Not sure if that’s the show’s magic or the kale, but hey.
And fun fact: Victorian-era folks believed talking to ferns stopped you from going bonkers. I talk to my begonias. So, if you see me chatting to plants, don’t judge — I’m just following historic wisdom.
The Cultural Vibe in 2025
The chess hype isn’t dead.
The vinyl soundtrack is still spinning in hipster cafes. The queen’s gambit cast? They’re probably gearing up for spinoffs or maybe a weird chess anthology no one asked for but secretly wants.
To Wrap It Up (Because I Could Go On)
The queen’s gambit cast took a simple chess story and turned it into a full-blown cultural hit. And while some slipped back into the shadows, most are thriving.
I’m still rooting for all of them, especially Anya. I mean, if she can handle all that intensity and still look fabulous, what’s my excuse for barely keeping my succulents alive?
Anyway, the queen’s gambit cast made their mark, and in 2025, they’re still making moves.
Leave a Reply