The entertainment world is buzzing as Romeo Beckham trades his modelling runway for a silver-screen debut. The 24-year-old, son of football legends David and Victoria Beckham, takes the lead in Forty Love a French romantic drama that blends sport, desire, and youthful ambition. Set against the glamorous backdrop of the French Riviera, the film introduces a fresh narrative that explores the intensity of professional tennis while navigating the complexities of a budding same-sex relationship.
Plot and thematic core
Forty Love follows the rivals-to-lovers formula, centring on 21-year-old tennis prodigy Sacha Gallo, portrayed by Paul Kircher. Trained from childhood under the watchful eye of his father—played by Guillaume Canet—Sacha’s singular focus is clinching his first major title at the Paris tournament. His meticulously ordered world is disrupted when a charismatic newcomer, portrayed by Romeo Beckham, steps onto the court. The ensuing match is more than a sporting contest; it becomes an emotional battlefield where attraction collides with rivalry. As the logline notes, Sacha confronts “an opponent of an entirely different nature—love,” a force that proves both exhilarating and destabilising.
Cast and creative forces
The ensemble blends seasoned French talent with fresh international faces. Alongside Kircher and Beckham, the film boasts performances by Benjamin Voisin known for his role in The Stranger and the legendary Catherine Deneuve in a special appearance. Production responsibilities fall to Chi-Fou-Mi Productions—with producers Hugo Sélignac and Paco de Bary—and co-producer Manna Studios. Distribution and worldwide sales are handled by Studiocanal which also partners on the project. The directorial helm is occupied by fashion photographer Pierre-Ange Carlotti marking his inaugural feature film. Carlotti co-wrote the script with Gaëlle Macé whose recent portfolio includes the 2025 thriller A Private Life. The film’s sonic atmosphere is crafted by artists 070 Shake and Johan Lenox.
Release strategy and international outlook
According to the production schedule, Forty Love will open in French cinemas on November 25, 2026. While the domestic launch is confirmed, Studiocanal has indicated that an international rollout is “soon” to be announced, though exact dates for territories such as the United States remain unconfirmed. The trailer, released by Studiocanal, showcases key moments: intense rallies, a recreated quote reminiscent of Rafael Nadal’s US Open comment, and intimate scenes that underscore the film’s romantic tension. Fans eager to see Romeo Beckham transition from fashion to acting now have a clear window into his performance, highlighted by a line where his character quips, “I don’t want to sound like I want to be his boyfriend.”
Beyond the on-screen narrative, the film taps into broader cultural conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in sport. By situating a same-sex romance within the high-stakes arena of professional tennis, Forty Love joins a growing catalog of stories that challenge traditional portrayals of athletes. The French Riviera setting adds a layer of visual opulence, contrasting the disciplined world of elite training with the sun-kissed allure of Mediterranean leisure.
With a strong cast, an experienced production team, and a strategic release plan, Forty Love is positioned to attract both cinema enthusiasts and sports fans alike. The November 25, 2026 premiere marks a milestone for Romeo Beckham and serves as a potential springboard for further cinematic ventures in the French and international markets.
