Fans of the iconic 2002 British film Bend It Like Beckham have reason to celebrate, as director Gurinder Chadha has officially confirmed that a sequel is in the works. The original movie, which became a cultural phenomenon, is set to return with hopes of reuniting its breakout stars, Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra, over two decades later.
Reuniting the Original Cast
Chadha revealed her ambitious plans to bring back the beloved characters, Jess (Nagra) and Jules (Knightley), who captured hearts with their football-driven coming-of-age story. The director expressed her excitement about exploring where life has taken the duo since their teenage years on the pitch.
A New Chapter for a Cult Classic
The original film followed Jess, a British-Indian girl who defies her traditional parents to pursue her passion for football. Its mix of humour, heart, and social commentary struck a chord globally, launching the careers of both Knightley and Nagra.
Chadha hinted that the sequel would address how women's football has evolved since 2002, particularly following England's Lionesses recent successes. 'The world has changed so much since we first made the film,' she noted.
From Household Names to Global Stars
Knightley, who was just 17 during filming, went on to become an Oscar-nominated actress in major franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean. Nagra found success in American television, notably in ER and The Blacklist.
The director remains optimistic about securing both actresses, stating: 'We're all older and wiser now, but that spark we created together is still there.'
While no release date has been confirmed, production is expected to begin within the next year, with London likely serving as the primary filming location once again.
