We’re Finally Getting A Sequel For Bend It Like Beckham
It’s true – “Anyone can cook aloo gobi, but who can bend a ball like Beckham?” Twenty-three years ago, Jess, played by Parminder Nagra defended her right to play football with a very vital point in the iconic film, Bend It Like Beckham. And now, in a perfectly timed move – just when the Lionesses made a stunning victory at the Women’s Euros, we have exciting news from the film that changed the game for British women’s football over 2 decades ago.
Amongst the many sequels that are in the works, Hollywood is now doing its number on Bend It Like Beckham. No, seriously, we’re getting sequels for Freaky Friday, Devil Wears Prada, Legally Blonde, Princess Diaries – and now, this. *screams in millennial*
What do we know so far?
The film’s director, Gurinder Chadha, told Deadline that the sequel for the 2002 film, which starred Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, is in the works, saying, “I’m excited to revisit the original characters and revive the enduring story and build on the legacy we helped to create for the women’s game.” Chadha has said that as of now, the film looks like it will be released in 2027, to mark its 25th anniversary, as well as the Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Chadha will also be working with Emma Hayes, the head coach of the US women’s national soccer team, who will be contributing her insights into the world of women’s football.
So far, we don’t know which of the cast members will be returning. Chadha has said that all the film’s principal cast have been informed of the sequel, which includes Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Archie Panjabi, Juliet Stevenson and Anupam Kher. And will David Beckham himself make a cameo? We certainly hope so.
The film looks like it will be released in 2027, to mark Bend It Like Beckham’s 25th anniversary.
What is Bend It Like Beckham about?
If you somehow skipped watching it, don’t worry, you have time till 2027 to watch the original. The sports comedy-drama follows Jesminder “Jess” Bhamra, a young British-Indian girl from London who dreams of becoming a professional footballer and also happens to be obsessed with David Beckham. But growing up in a traditional Sikh household, Jess’s passion for football is seen as inappropriate at home. When Jess is spotted playing football in the park by Jules (Knightley), a talented player on a local women’s team, she’s invited to join them, and she secretly starts playing with them.
As Jess sneaks off to practices and matches, she forms a strong bond with Jules and starts to shine on the field. But the pressure mounts as Jess tries to juggle her double life, amidst her sister’s lavish Punjabi wedding preparations, her conservative parents’ expectations, and her growing crush on their coach Joe (Meyers). When her two worlds inevitably collide, Jess is forced to make some tough decisions. There are plenty of laughs, some tears, and lots of football, of course, as Jess becomes more determined than ever before to follow her dreams.
Do we have a release date?
As of now, we only know that there is a tentative 2027 release date. But we’ll be sure to update this space with more details. For now, you can watch Bend It Like Beckham on Amazon Prime.
