’Forty Love’ Trailer: Romeo Beckham Makes His Acting Debut in a Queer Tennis Romance With a Dark Twist
Tennis has long been a favorite backdrop for stories about ambition, rivalry, and desire, and a new French film is serving up all 3. ‘Forty Love’, a queer tennis drama from first-time feature director Pierre-Ange Carlotti, is heading to cinemas this fall with an intriguing pair of leads.
Carlotti, an acclaimed fashion photographer, co-wrote the screenplay with Gaëlle Macé. The film’s score comes from 070 Shake and Johan Lenox, and the supporting cast includes Guillaume Canet, Benjamin Voisin and Catherine Deneuve.
The film has now unveiled its first official trailer, and it puts Romeo Beckham front and center in his first feature film role opposite Paul Kircher. The pair play rivals whose on-court battle turns into something far more personal.
Kircher stars as Sacha Gallo, a 21-year-old rising tennis star who has spent years training under his father’s watchful eye. His goal is clear: winning his first major title in Paris. That carefully controlled world is upended by the arrival of a charismatic new rival, played by Beckham. The official synopsis describes love as “a force as exhilarating as it is destabilising – and far more dangerous than anything he has encountered on the court.”
The trailer leans into the enemies-to-lovers tension. In one press conference moment, Beckham’s character insists, “I don’t want to sound like I want to be his boyfriend,” while on court he warns his rival, “I’m coming for you.”
Just when ‘Forty Love’ looks like a sleek sports romance, the trailer swerves into much darker territory. Its final moments take a shockingly violent, bloody turn that suggests the film is more psychological thriller than straightforward love story.
That twist has quickly become the most talked-about part of the footage. It hints that Carlotti’s debut is interested in the darker side of obsession, competition and desire, beyond a simple rivals-to-lovers arc.
The film’s broader themes reportedly include sporting ambition, the father-son relationship and first love. Combined with the trailer’s unsettling ending, it looks set to be one of the more provocative releases of the season.
First trailer for ‘FORTY LOVE’ starring Romeo Beckham. The film follows a gay tennis superstar chasing a major title in Paris, until the arrival of a new rival forces him to confront love. In French theaters on November 25, Coming Soon worldwide. https://t.co/AkKnpUEy8d
— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 15, 2026
For Romeo Beckham, ‘Forty Love’ marks a significant career shift. The son of David Beckham has previously built a career as a fashion model, working with brands including Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Burberry.
His move into acting with a leading role in a French art-house drama is a bold first step. Pairing him with a director who comes from the fashion photography world feels like a natural bridge between his modeling career and his new path on screen.
Early reaction to the trailer has been strong, with LGBTQ+ outlets including Attitude and Gay Times spotlighting the film. Many viewers are curious to see how Beckham holds his own in such a demanding, emotionally charged role.
Opposite him, Kircher brings an established track record in French film. He’s known for projects including ‘The Animal Kingdom’, and his casting gives the film a strong dramatic anchor.
The chemistry between the 2 leads is central to the trailer’s appeal. Their scenes crackle with tension, whether they’re trading barbs at the net or facing off away from the court. ‘Forty Love’ is scheduled to open in French cinemas on November 25.
A premiere with the cast and crew is reportedly set for November 17 at Paris’ Grand Rex. International release plans haven’t been confirmed yet. Given the attention the trailer is getting, though, it may not be long before distributors outside France take notice.
Are you excited to see Romeo Beckham make his acting debut in Forty Love?
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!
