She's Back! 'Bend It Like Beckham' Sequel Coming After 20 Years!
Get ready to bend it again! Gurinder Chadha, the director of the beloved 2002 film Bend It Like Beckham, has officially announced that a sequel is in the works. More than two decades after its release, the story of Jess, Jules, and their passion for football is set to return to our screens.
Chadha revealed the exciting news, stating that she's eager to revisit the original characters and build upon the legacy the film created for women's football. The original movie, starring Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, is credited with inspiring a generation of women to pursue their football dreams.
While the exact format of the sequel – whether it will be another feature film or a television series – is still to be decided, Chadha has earmarked 2027 as a potential release year, coinciding with the film's 25th anniversary and the FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. She also hopes to reunite the original cast and even feature cameos from members of the current England squad.
Original Cast on Board?
Nagra, Knightley, and other original cast members are reportedly aware of the sequel's development. However, they are waiting to see a script before committing to the project. The director also mentioned that Emma Hayes, a prominent figure in women's football, will collaborate on the film.
Why Now?
Chadha has been asked about a sequel countless times over the years. The success of the Lionesses and the increasing popularity of women's football have inspired her to revisit the story. Despite the progress made, she believes there are still people who don't take women's football seriously, making the story even more relevant today.
- Original cast reunion possible
- Potential cameos from current England players
- Release planned for 2027
Bend It Like Beckham was a surprise hit, grossing almost £60 million on a budget of £3.5 million. It told the story of a young British-Indian girl who defied expectations to pursue her passion for football. The sequel promises to continue exploring themes of cultural identity, gender equality, and the power of dreams.