Netflix released a teaser trailer on March 10 for its upcoming documentary Untold: Chess Mates, which examines the 2022 controversy between grandmasters Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann. The 71-second clip has garnered over 400,000 views and prompted mixed responses from the chess community. The full documentary is set for release on April 7.
The trailer previews the events surrounding the 2022 Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis, where tensions arose between world champion Magnus Carlsen and rising star Hans Niemann, leading to global headlines in the chess world.
In the clip, Niemann states, "My entire life and career have been destroyed," and adds, "I'll have to live with the fact that every conversation I have about chess, we'll eventually discuss anal beads." Carlsen recalls his in-game reaction: "I felt that I was not playing a human." Niemann further comments, "He’s entered a level of paranoia that is not sane."
Carlsen has not publicly commented on the trailer. Niemann, however, shared tweets promoting the film, including one saying, "The truth, reckoning, and revolution is upon us. Netflix April 7th!" He later posted, "Everyone's day of judgement comes," and addressed what he called misinformation about the Sinquefield Cup. The 22-year-old announced plans for a podcast tour to share his perspective, specifically mentioning Joe Rogan's show, where Carlsen had discussed the issue.
Online discussions, such as a Reddit thread with over 130 comments, show varied reactions. Some users expressed curiosity about Niemann's portrayal, wondering if it captures his more intense side from 2023-2024. Others questioned if the film, shot in 2024, might feel outdated or reveal new details. Grandmaster Jacob Aagaard tweeted sarcastically, calling it a "feel good film that will make us all hug it out."
The documentary features perspectives from Hikaru Nakamura, Chess.com CEO Erik Allebest, and Chief Chess Officer Danny Rensch. In a reaction video, Rensch said, "Wow. Wow," and noted surprise at the framing of Chess.com's role as seeking control. Allebest remarked on how the cheating allegations evolved into a broader power struggle narrative.
This is Netflix's second chess documentary in 2026, following Queen of Chess on Judit Polgar, which reached the global Top 10. The controversy continues with a book by Ben Mezrich due in June and a developing A24 film produced by Emma Stone and directed by Nathan Fielder.
