How Did Christian Cooke Prepare to Portray Chess Legend Garry Kasparov in 'Rematch'?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Christian Cooke draws parallels between his work ethic and that of Garry Kasparov.
- The series 'Rematch' is based on a historical event, adding depth to its narrative.
- Cooke's preparation included extensive research through books and documentaries.
- The confrontation in 'Rematch' highlights the clash between human and artificial intelligence.
- The show features a talented cast, directed by Yan England.
Mumbai, July 14 (NationPress) English actor Christian Cooke, portraying the iconic Chess master Garry Kasparov in the upcoming streaming series ‘Rematch’, has shared insights into his preparation for the role.
The actor revealed that he extensively read literature and viewed documentaries about the world champion. He noted a strong connection between himself and Garry regarding their focus and work ethic.
Discussing the series, Christian stated, “The advantage is that it’s not a fictional story; it’s grounded in actual events. The writing aligns with historical fact, which is what we aimed to portray. We are narrating a significant chapter in history. There’s nothing more dramatic than real life. We didn’t need to create tension, as the match itself was filled with it, providing ample material for an actor to explore the character's journey. We dissect the script, scene by scene, considering each moment in its entirety.”
‘Rematch’ is a psychological thriller that delves into how a supercomputer triumphed over one of the greatest chess minds in history. It highlights the intense confrontation between Garry Kasparov and IBM's groundbreaking supercomputer, Deep Blue.
On his preparation, Cooke mentioned, “I delved into numerous books and watched the documentary ‘Garry Kasparov - Man vs. Machine’ produced by the BBC, which served as a valuable resource. I recognized parallels in focus and determination. As an actor, you must be persistent and continually seek to improve and challenge yourself. Much like chess players, actors must maintain their focus and sharpness.”
This legendary match marked a pivotal moment, challenging the boundaries between human intelligence and artificial intelligence, igniting a global conversation that remains pertinent in today’s AI-centric landscape. The series is directed by Yan England and features talents like Sarah Bolger, Aidan Quinn, Tom Austen, and Trine Dyrholm.
The show is set to premiere on Lionsgate Play on July 18, 2025.