'Bend it Like Beckham' Director Confirms Sequel

In a long-awaited announcement, Gurinder Chadha, the visionary director behind the beloved 2002 hit Bend It Like Beckham, has confirmed a sequel is officially in development.

More than twenty years after the original film inspired many young women to play football, Chadha says she has finally found the right story—one that reflects how much the sport and its cultural resonance have evolved.

Chadha shared her excitement in an interview with Deadline, emphasizing her intent to revisit the original characters—including Jess (Parminder Nagra) and Jules (Keira Knightley)—and build on the legacy they helped establish in women’s football. She hopes the entire original cast will return, though their participation depends on presentation and script quality.

Chadha aims for a 2027 release, aligning with Beckham’s 25th anniversary and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The sequel could take the form of a feature film or a television series, depending on the final creative direction.

Chadha is collaborating with her husband and original co-writer, Paul Mayeda Berges, and has enlisted Emma Hayes, coach of the U.S. women’s national team, to help shape an authentic football narrative.

The original Bend It Like Beckham became a defining film of early 2000s British cinema and was instrumental in spotlighting diversity, female empowerment, and cross-cultural identity in sports.

Fan anticipation is high for the return of stars like Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Archie Panjabi, Juliet Stevenson, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. The original cast has been informed about the script, so fans are excited to see them return to the sequel. 

This sequel marks a pivotal moment—not just for fans nostalgic for Jess and Jules, but for a sport and culture that has evolved dramatically in the years since the original game-changing film.

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