Romeo Beckham’s queer tennis romance debut sparks ‘nepo baby’ backlash
Romeo Beckham is making his acting debut in gay tennis romance, Forty Love. (Getty Images)
Romeo Beckham is set to make his acting debut in the French queer tennis romance Forty Love, but newly shared images teasing the film have prompted a wave of online backlash, accusing the production of nepotism.
The 24-year-old will play a charismatic tennis player (name unannounced) who arrives as a rival to Sacha Gallo, played by French actor Paul Kircher. The film is set for release in French cinemas on 25 November.
The synopsis describes Sacha as a 21-year-old who has been coached by his father and is chasing a first major title in Paris, before the arrival of a new rival (Beckham) upends everything.
‘Nepo baby’ comments and support
Some commenters on Instagram have questioned how the casting was decided, with one writing: “I wonder how many casting rounds Romeo had to go through and how many people got to audition for this role.”
While another added: “Just what we needed, another nepo baby,” and a third claimed: “What an absolute joke. Whether acting or not, there are thousands of gay actors desperate for parts and this nonentity who is riding on his parents coattails is given a leg up just to help publicise this rubbish. I hope that people will boycott it.”
Others pushed back, with one urging: “Give him a chance,” as debate over his casting continued online.
Beckham is the second-eldest child of David Beckham and Victoria Beckham. He has worked as a fashion model and played in youth football setups, later signing with Brentford B in 2022 before leaving in 2024, with his career moves often landing at the centre of nepotism narratives around the Beckham family.
What we know about Forty Love
Forty Love is directed by fashion photographer Pierre-Ange Carlotti and produced by Chi-Fou-Mi Productions, with Studiocanal and Manna Studios listed as co-producers. Producer Hugo Sélignac described the project as a “sensual, romantic and deeply moving fable and coming-of-age story”.
Beckham’s casting was announced in June, when it was revealed he would make his acting debut in a gay tennis romance film centred on desire, competition and identity.
The latest images are understood to show the two characters walking off the court, following an earlier first-look shot described as Beckham’s character gazing longingly at Sacha.
