The first trailer for Romeo Beckham’s “sensual” queer tennis drama has landed – and fans are very intrigued.
It was announced in June that the second-eldest son of Victoria and David Beckham is set to make his acting debut in a new French film.
Forty Love, directed by renowned fashion photographer Pierre-Ange Carlotti, will see Beckham star opposite Paul Kircher (The Animal Kingdom), Guillaume Canet (Sink or Swim) and Benjamin Voisin (The Stranger).
Released on Friday (16 October), the trailer sees Kircher in character as Sacha Gallo, a gay tennis superstar whose major title competition in Paris is upended by the arrival of Beckham’s rival tennis player, who presents a “force as exhilarating as it is destabilising – and for more dangerous than anything he has encountered on the court”.
In the full-length trailer, viewers get a glimpse of the love-hate relationship between Kircher and Beckham’s characters on the tennis court and in night clubs, with the latter telling the other in a competition: “Sleep with your eyes open. I’m coming for you.”
Beckham, 24, is the only actor in the film who does not speak French, with his scenes subtitled for French viewers.
In one moment, the script appears to reference a viral Rafael Nadal quote, in which he was asked by a journalist in 2017 what he admires most about Roger Federer on and off court to which Nadal laughed and said: “I don’t want to look like I want to be his boyfriend.”
Beckham’s character says almost the exact same thing in the trailer for Forty Love when he is asked the same question about Sacha by a journalist at a press conference.
At another point, he tells Sacha: “It’s not my fault if you’re f***ing in love with me.”
Also starring in the film is legendary French actor Catherine Deneuve who appears to be portraying Sacha’s mother.
Fans were left excited by the clip, with many comparing it to the hit series Heated Rivalry, about a secret romantic relationship between two rival professional ice hockey players, and Challengers, the 2024 love triangle tennis film starring Zendaya.
“Romeo Beckham, let’s see what you have in store for us with this role,” wrote one curious viewer. “I will be in attendance,” said another. A third person wrote: “I’m already there.”
Also commenting on the trailer was Beckham’s girlfriend, Kim Turnbull, who left emojis in support of her actor boyfriend.
Acting is the latest career pivot for Beckham who has previously pursued careers in football and fashion, having modelled for brands including Burberry, Versace, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent.
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