David Beckham's acting skills receive high praise at King Arthur premiere

Charlie Hunnam and Guy Ritchie were quick to defend pal David Beckham's casting in their new King Arthur epic at the film's London premiere on Wednesday (10May17), insisting the retired soccer star was a joy to work with.

Beckham has a cameo role as Trigger in director Ritchie's new film, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and both the moviemaker and his leading man heaped praise on the former England soccer captain.

"It was lovely (working with Beckham)," Hunnam told Press Association. "He did an amazing job. He is very quiet and humble and serious.

"I thought he was just going to show up for a laugh because he is Guy’s friend, but he took it all very, very seriously."

Unfortunately, film fans and critics alike don't agree - Beckham's performance in the film's trailer has been described as "cringeworthy".

But at the screening in London’s Leicester Square on Wednesday, which the sportsman attended with his son Brooklyn, Ritchie insisted Beckham was great - and he hopes to work with him again.

"He was fantastic," Ritchie said. "I love old Becksy. He is a fabulous actor and a real pleasure to be with."

But even David himself isn't sure if acting is in his future, adding, "I don’t know yet. One step at a time."

King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword is released around the world later this month (May17).