"I have finally found a fantastic story"
More than two decades after Bend It Like Beckham first hit screens, a long-awaited sequel is finally on the horizon.
Gurinder Chadha, who directed the 2002 hit, confirmed plans are underway to release a follow-up in 2027, timed to coincide with both the film’s 25th anniversary and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
She revealed she had been inundated with requests to revisit the story ever since the original became a global sensation.
Gurinder said: “After 23 years and being unable to come up with a storyline that was as good as the original, I have finally found a fantastic story for a Bend It Like Beckham follow-up.”
Gurinder said the format, whether a feature film or television series, has yet to be finalised.
But she’s already aiming high, with hopes to reunite Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley and the rest of the original cast. She also teased that today’s Lionesses would be “queuing up” for cameo roles.
She added: “Women’s football is more competitive, more exciting and more global than ever. It is an honour for me to be a small part of it.”
Gurinder has also enlisted US women’s national team manager Emma?Hayes as a collaborator on the new script, drawing on her experience both on and off the pitch.
Bend It Like Beckham, which was made on a modest £3.5 million budget, went on to gross nearly £60 million worldwide.
The film centres on two best friends, played by Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, who defy the wishes of their parents by trying to pursue a career in women’s football.
It’s widely credited with changing the conversation around women’s football and representation in British cinema.
Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, praised the announcement:
“Bend It Like Beckham captured something so special about Britain, our spirit, our diversity, and our ability to dream big in the face of challenge.
“Gurinder Chadha gave us a story that resonated far beyond the screen and became part of our cultural DNA.
“The announcement of a follow-up is a brilliant moment for British film.
“It builds on a legacy that continues to inspire and shows the world what British storytelling can do.”
“Productions like this help tell our national story, remind us who we are, and who we can be.”
Since their breakout roles, both Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley have built successful careers in film and television.
Parminder went on to star as Neela Rasgotra in ER, before appearing in Bird Box, DI Ray and Maternal.
For Keira, she has had leading roles in Pirates Of The Caribbean, Love Actually, Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, The Imitation Game and Colette. She most recently returned to television in Netflix’s Black Doves, which is set for a second season.
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