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Gurinder Chadha confirms ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ sequel in the works
The original movie was released 22 years ago, back when women's football was lesser-known globally.
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Staff Reporter - Sun, 27, Jul 2025
- 23:11 EDT
- 18
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A screengrab from the movie Bend it like Beckham (left) and Gurinder Chadha (right) / Fox searchlight pictures and Wikimedia commons
Gurinder Chadha has announced the sequel to her 2002 film ‘Bend it Like Beckham’, which starred Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, as per a report in Deadline.
‘Bend It Like Beckham’ is a coming-of-age comedy-drama about Jess, a young British-Indian woman who defies cultural expectations to pursue her passion for soccer. The film explores themes of identity, family, and breaking gender stereotypes, blending humor with heartfelt moments. Starring Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, it celebrates female empowerment and cultural fusion.
Nagra played Jasminder (Jess), a teenager in love with soccer sensation David Beckham, who is determined to play soccer against the wishes of her parents. Knightley plays her friend Jules, who also plays the sport with Jess.
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Chadha has revealed that she hopes to bring back the original cast for the sequel, however, she added, the actors haven't agreed to anything so far and are awaiting a script before making a final call.
The London-based director told Deadline, “I’m excited to revisit the original characters and revive the enduring story and build on the legacy we helped to create for the women’s game.”
She added, “I am working really hard to make sure every character I bring back has a decent arc and scenes.”
The original film was based on a screenplay she co-wrote with Guljit Bindra and her husband Paul Mayeda Berges.
Chadha said that she is bringing in Borges for co-writing the script, claiming, “I’m hoping to write it with Paul, who has come up with some very funny lines like he did last time.”
Chadha has also been in touch with Emma Hayes, head coach of the U.S. women’s national soccer team and working collaboratively on the story. “Her insights into the world of football at her level are invaluable,” Chadha confirmed.
Hayes told Deadline that the 2002 film has had a “massive impact” on her life. “I was Keira Knightley in Bend it. I cried in the cinema watching the film because I felt just like Jess and Jules.”
Lisa Nandy, Britain's Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, described Bend it LIke Beckham as having captured “something so special about Britain — our spirit, our diversity, and our ability to dream big in the face of challenge.”
Nandy added that Chadha’s story “resonated far beyond the screen and became part of our cultural DNA.”
Talking about the sequel, she labeled it as a "brilliant moment for British film."
She added, "It builds on a legacy that continues to inspire and shows the world what British storytelling can do. Films like this help tell our national story, remind us who we are, and who we can be.”
Talking about her expectations from the film, the director noted, “Let’s hope we can bring back that same joy and feel good about putting women and girls on the map like we did 23 years ago.”
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