23 years after it exploded into a smash-hit no one saw coming, groundbreaking sports drama-comedy Bend it Like Beckham is returning to the silver screens in a big way.
In an exclusive interview with Deadline on Thursday Director Gurinder Chadha, who wrote and directed the original film, revealed a long-awaited and discussed sequel is officially in the works.
“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 said.
In 2002 the boundary-breaking British film Bend It Like Beckham took the world by storm with the story of 18-year-old Jesminder “Jess” Bharma, played by Parminder Nagra, 49, who balanced cultural, familial, and societal expectations in pursuit of her football– soccer, to Americans– dreams. Starring alongside Nagra was Kiera Knightly, 40, as Jess’s teammate-turned-best-friend Jules.
Regarding a sequel, Chadha told Deadline that for years “I didn’t want to do anything because I didn’t have a story.” All of that changed a month ago. “I came up with a great story, really super-cool story. So now I’m inspired,” the beloved British screenwriter and director shared.
Regarding what a Bend It Like Beckham film would look like in today’s climate, Chadha spoke about the cultural impact of the film, and why women’s sports stories are more relevant now than ever before. “It’s my very clear wish to bring the characters back very, very soon,” she told Deadline. “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.”
For fans eager to know a release date, Chadha told Deadline that the goal is to have the sequel ready by 2027 in time for the 25th anniversary of the original film’s UK premiere. Ultimately, though, it seems that decision lies in the hands of the original cast.
She confirmed that Knightly, Nagra, Archie Punjabi, Juliet Stevenson, and other original cast members are “aware” of the development of the sequel, but admitted to Deadline that ultimately “everything hinges on the script and if the original cast likes it.”
Chadha hopes to build on the legacy of the original heartwarming film to inspire a whole new generation of female athletes. “Let’s hope we can bring back that same joy and feel good about putting women and girls on the map like we did 23 years ago.”
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