It’s been two decades since Bend It Like Beckham captivated audiences worldwide. The 2002 comedy, directed and written by Gurinder Chadha, remains a treasured gem in cinematic history.
While originally hesitant about tampering with the film’s magic, Chadha recently hinted at a potential sequel during an interview with UK’s Metro. This renewed interest was sparked by the Lionesses football team’s notable run in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which rekindled Chadha’s connection to the film’s narrative.
“I never really wanted to make a sequel to the film, because I just thought the way Parminder [Nagra] and Keira [Knightley] played it, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Archie Panjabi, I could never really follow that up and create that same magic in the same way,” Chadha said, “but with the recent success of football, I just feel like I’m starting to percolate an idea for a possible sequel of some kind.”
The iconic movie revolves around Jess (Parminder Nagra), a British Indian teenager passionate about football, particularly idolising David Beckham. Her traditional parents envision a different path for her, emphasising education and marriage.
When Jules (Keira Knightley) offers Jess a spot on the local women’s football team, it encourages Jess to chase her dreams. The story beautifully challenges gender and cultural norms, illustrating Jess’s journey against societal expectations.
Bend It Like Beckham not only propelled Keira Knightley to stardom but also showcased a stellar ensemble cast, including Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Archie Panjabi, and Anupam Kher. Chadha, known for other hits like Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging and Blinded by the Light, co-wrote the movie with Guljit Bindra and Paul Mayeda Berges.
While fans await official confirmation on the sequel, they can currently relive the magic of Bend It Like Beckham, currently streaming on Disney+.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing Honkai: Star Rail, cosplaying, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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