Tubi’s upcoming psychological thriller CheckMate delivers a chilling game of cat and mouse between a determined detective and a cunning serial killer who uses chess as his deadly blueprint. The film follows Brittany (Joyce Glenn), a sharp-witted investigator who must reconcile with her estranged father, Marcus (Dorien Wilson), a chess prodigy, to decode the killer’s twisted patterns before another victim falls. As the body count rises, the duo races against time to outmaneuver a murderer who always seems one move ahead.
Blending cerebral suspense with emotional depth, CheckMate explores themes of strategy, redemption, and the fragile bonds of family. The killer’s macabre use of chess turns each crime into a gruesome puzzle, forcing Brittany and Marcus to confront their fractured past while facing a foe who plays for keeps. With a standout ensemble cast and a premise that keeps viewers guessing, this taut thriller promises to be Tubi’s most gripping original film yet.
CheckMate Cast Breakdown
1: Joyce Glenn as Brittany
Joyce Glenn stars as Brittany, the tenacious detective thrust into a high-stakes battle of wits with a serial killer who weaponizes chess. Glenn, known for her roles in indie thrillers and TV dramas, brings a mix of grit and vulnerability to the role, portraying a woman grappling with professional pressure and personal demons. Her recent performances in Shadows of Doubt and Line of Deception showcase her ability to anchor tense narratives with emotional authenticity.
Off-screen, Glenn is an advocate for mental health awareness, often choosing roles that explore psychological complexity. As Brittany, she embodies a protagonist who must rely on instincts and intellect—traits that mirror Glenn’s own dedication to layered storytelling. Her chemistry with Dorien Wilson’s Marcus adds heart to the film’s high-stakes suspense.
2: Dorien Wilson as Marcus
Veteran actor Dorien Wilson (The Parkers, Dream On) takes on the role of Marcus, Brittany’s estranged father and a chess master whose expertise becomes crucial to the case. Wilson, a sitcom legend, steps into dramatic territory with ease, balancing Marcus’s intellectual brilliance with the regret of a man seeking redemption. His recent guest spots on All the Queen’s Men and The Oval hint at his versatility beyond comedy.
Wilson’s stage background (A Soldier’s Play) and knack for commanding presence make Marcus a compelling mentor figure. The dynamic between him and Glenn’s Brittany—a blend of tension and reluctant trust—fuels the film’s emotional core.
3: Andra Fuller as Brad
Andra Fuller (The L.A. Complex, Black Lightning) plays Brad, Brittany’s loyal partner on the force, whose unwavering support hides his own suspicions about the killer’s identity. Fuller’s charisma and physicality bring depth to Brad, a role that evolves from steadfast ally to potential wild card. His work in The Oval and Games People Play proves his skill at navigating morally ambiguous characters.
Fuller’s off-screen passion for martial arts (he’s a trained fighter) informs Brad’s tactical approach to the investigation, adding authenticity to the film’s action sequences.
4: Sarah Pribis as Stephanie
Sarah Pribis (The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Law & Order: SVU) portrays Stephanie, a forensic analyst whose discoveries about the chess-themed killings unsettle the team. Pribis, a sci-fi and crime drama regular, excels in roles that demand precision and quiet intensity. Her turn in The Walking Dead spin-off showcased her ability to convey urgency under pressure.
Pribis’s background in improvisational comedy (UCB Theatre) lends Stephanie a dry wit, providing moments of levity in the film’s darker scenes.
5: Joey Puerto as Officer Rodriguez
Joey Puerto (Mayans M.C., SWAT) steps into the role of Rodriguez, a street-smart cop whose local knowledge proves vital to the investigation. Puerto’s rugged charm and experience in crime dramas make Rodriguez a relatable everyman in a world of geniuses and psychopaths. His breakout role in The Tax Collector highlighted his ability to blend toughness with empathy.
Puerto’s real-life upbringing in a law enforcement family adds nuance to his portrayal, grounding Rodriguez in authenticity.
6: Treyvaughn Dawson as Teenage Boy
Rising star Treyvaughn Dawson (All American, The Crossover) plays a key supporting role as a teenage chess prodigy whose connection to the killer rattles Brittany. Dawson, a breakout in young-adult dramas, brings raw vulnerability to the character, whose innocence contrasts with the film’s grim stakes. His performance in The Crossover earned praise for its emotional depth.
Dawson’s off-screen passion for chess (he learned the game for the role) mirrors his character’s journey, blurring the lines between actor and role.
7: Terry Tocantins as Carl Johnson
Terry Tocantins (Snowfall, Bosch) rounds out the cast as Carl Johnson, a shadowy figure with ties to the killer’s past. Tocantins, a character actor known for playing intimidating heavies, infuses Carl with a quiet menace that keeps viewers guessing. His roles in Snowfall and The Terminal List cemented his reputation as a go-to for morally complex antagonists.
Tocantins’s background in stage combat (he’s a trained stunt performer) ensures Carl’s physical scenes crackle with tension.
