A highly anticipated sequel is officially in production for the beloved British cult classic Bend It Like Beckham, featuring the talented stars Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley. The original film, which captivated audiences with its release in the UK in 2002 and in the US in 2003, followed the journey of Jess played by Nagra and Jules portrayed by Knightley as they navigated the challenges of playing for a small amateur women’s soccer team in London while chasing their dreams of a professional soccer career in the United States.
Fast forward 23 years, and director and writer Gurinder Chadha has shared with Deadline her excitement about the sequel currently in development. The BAFTA-nominated filmmaker is collaborating with the head coach of the US Women’s National Soccer Team and her husband, Paul Mayeda Berges, who is co-writing the screenplay. This partnership promises to bring fresh and authentic perspectives to the storyline.
Chadha revealed her inspiration for the sequel struck just last month, marking a significant moment after two decades of contemplation. She expressed her eagerness to reconnect with the characters that resonated with so many fans around the world.
“I didn’t want to do anything because I didn’t have a story. And then I came up with a great story, really super-cool story. So now I’m inspired. Literally came up with it just about a month ago. It’s my very clear wish to bring the characters back very, very soon. Women’s football is more competitive, more exciting, and more global than ever. It is an honor for me to be a small part of it.”
Chadha also indicated that the original cast members, including Nagra, Knightley, Archie Panjabi, who played Jess’s sister Pinky, and Juliet Stevenson, who portrayed Jules’s mother Paula, have been informed about the sequel’s progress. However, their participation will ultimately depend on the quality of the script, which Chadha is dedicated to perfecting.
“Everything hinges on the script and if the original cast likes it. I am working really hard to make sure every character I bring back has a decent arc and scenes.”
The Timing Is Ideal for a Bend It Like Beckham Sequel
The Surge in Popularity of Women’s Soccer
As highlighted by Chadha in her conversation with Deadline, women’s professional soccer has transformed into a global sensation, with national leagues, prestigious tournaments like the UEFA Women’s Euros, the South American Copa América Femenina, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup receiving unprecedented funding, visibility, and viewership. For instance, in the UK, ITV recently achieved its highest ratings of the year during the Euros’ semi-final match between England and Italy (as reported by RadioTimes.com).
While there is still a considerable distance to cover before women’s soccer reaches the financial success of the men’s game, the progress since 2002 has been remarkable. This surge in popularity has permeated pop culture as well. Notably, the hit show on Apple TV+, Ted Lasso, will feature Jason Sudeikis returning to coach the newly established second-division women’s team at AFC Richmond in its upcoming fourth season.
Our Perspective on Bend It Like Beckham 2
Exploring Jess and Jules’ Journeys in America
Considering the long hiatus between installments, there is a wealth of storytelling opportunities for Bend It Like Beckham 2 to explore. How did Jules and Jess adapt to life in America after they received their coveted soccer scholarships? Did Jess achieve her ultimate dream of playing for England, inspired by her idol David Beckham? Did her relationship with Joe (played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers) survive the distance? Did Jules decide to stay in America to pursue professional opportunities within a league?
With the rising popularity of women’s soccer, it will be fascinating to illustrate how they navigate this evolving landscape. If Nagra and Knightley reprise their iconic roles, and if their characters experienced semi-professional or professional careers, they might be looking at retirement now. It would be inspiring to see them return to their roots, mentoring young aspiring players, and training the next generation of talent in the sport.
Ultimately, it is our hope that every aspect aligns perfectly for the sequel of Bend It Like Beckham, allowing Chadha to realize her ambition of bringing the film to theaters in 2027, which will mark 25 years since the original’s debut and coincide with the next FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in Brazil.
Source: Deadline
