David Beckham Shares Anxiety Over Netflix Documentary with Victoria: ‘I Disliked Nearly Every Moment’
David Beckham recently shared his thoughts on the making of his Emmy award-winning documentary series, “Beckham,” revealing that the process was nerve-wracking for him. The four-part documentary, which premiered last year and quickly gained popularity, was a challenging endeavor for the former soccer star. Beckham admitted, “I hated almost every moment of making it…it was very difficult.”
Reflecting on the decision to embark on this project, Beckham explained, “It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I was going to make it but there was a few reasons why we wanted to make it.” Following his retirement from professional football, Beckham found himself reluctant to discuss his career and life. The surge in popularity of documentaries during the pandemic, coupled with the approaching 10-year anniversary of his retirement, prompted him to delve into this venture.
Speaking at the Royal Television Society conference in London, Beckham addressed a diverse audience of industry professionals, including producers and commissioners. In recent years, Beckham has transitioned into production through his company, Studio 99, which produced “Beckham.” The documentary provided viewers with unprecedented access to his personal archives and featured interviews with Beckham, his friends, and family. Notably, a viral moment from the series involved Beckham playfully teasing his wife, Victoria Beckham, about her social class background.
Studio 99’s upcoming project will focus on Victoria Beckham, with details about the documentary still under wraps. When it came to selecting a director for “Beckham,” Fisher Stevens, known for his work on “The Cove” and “Succession,” was eventually chosen. Interestingly, it was Leonardo DiCaprio who recommended Stevens for the job.
Despite some criticism regarding the documentary’s objectivity, given Beckham’s involvement as an executive producer, he emphasized that Stevens had complete creative control over the content. Beckham refrained from interfering in the editing process, allowing Stevens to shape the narrative as he saw fit.
Looking ahead, Beckham expressed his excitement about the forthcoming documentary centered on Victoria, praising her resilience and success in the industry. He highlighted her work ethic and personality as key aspects that viewers can anticipate.
As Studio 99 continues to expand its portfolio, Beckham, alongside longtime colleagues Nicola Howson and David Gardner, remains committed to producing diverse content. Their projects range from sporting documentaries like “Fever Pitch: The Battle for the Premier League” to series such as “Save Our Squad,” where Beckham mentors young football players in East London.
The Royal Television Society conference, hosted by Netflix this year, featured a lineup of prominent speakers, including culture secretary Lisa Nandy, BBC boss Tim Davie, “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight, and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. Beckham’s journey into documentary production underscores his evolving career trajectory beyond the football field, showcasing his passion for storytelling and sharing personal narratives.
