David Beckham ‘great on screen’ in King Arthur, says director Guy Ritchie after critics savage ex-soccer star’s cameo in film
‘Misguided’ was among the gentler words used to describe former Manchester United and Real Madrid star’s role as soldier Trigger in reworking of Arthurian legend, but Ritchie says, ‘I find him very talented’
David Beckham has received some scathing reviews in the British press for his cameo in the film King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, but director Guy Ritchie has given the former soccer star the thumbs up for his performance.
“I love him and I think he’s great on screen. I find him very talented,” Ritchie said at the film’s European premiere, when asked if Beckham had the potential to be as good at acting as at soccer.
Ritchie’s take on the medieval legend follows King Arthur, played by Charlie Hunnam, who is robbed of his birthright and has a tough upbringing. But once he pulls the Excalibur sword from the stone, he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy.
Beckham, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, plays the soldier Trigger in the sword-pulling scene.
Beckham “shows just about enough dramatic range to have played the stone the sword got stuck in”, The Telegraph said in its review, adding that he had “sabotaged” the scene.