Is Bend It Like Beckham getting a Sequel?

Gurinder Chadha has teased a Bend It Like Beckham sequel, 21 years after the iconic sports film was first released.

The film – which was released in 2002 – catapulted its lead stars Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra to fame.

It received critical acclaim as a result of the movie exploring ideas of race, identity, culture, gender, sexuality and religion.

Bend It Like Beckham follows Jesminder “Jess” Bhamra (Parminder) as she chases her dream to become a professional footballer.

Director Gurinder has now revealed that she has been working on a sequel.

It comes after the incredible success of the England Women’s Football team at the 2023 Women’s World Cup this year.

Gurinder revealed: “For the longest time I never wanted to do a sequel.

“But I have to say, after the World Cup this year, and also with the Euro’s a few years ago, my brain is ticking again and I have an idea in my head that I’m thinking through for the first time.

“I’m thinking that I could definitely do something.

“I never wanted to follow the girls off in America, because I felt that what I had created was so magical for that moment in time.

“It’s very hard with sequels – there are very few sequels that I think really hit the mark after the success of the first film.

“However, I do have an idea and I am starting to work on it, so I think I will definitely do something that shows how brilliant our athletes are right now.”

Parminder and Keira did three months’ worth of football training for the film and did not use any stunt doubles.

In 2003, Gurinder said the title was a metaphor.

She said at the time: “We can see our goal but instead of going straight there, we too have to twist and bend the rules sometimes to get what we want.

“No matter where we reside, no matter what group we claim or do not embrace as part of our ethnic lineage.”

In a full-circle moment, Gurinder explained how many of the professional female footballers told her that Bend It Like Beckham inspired them into the sport.

Meanwhile, the filmmaker has been honoured with a star on the BFI’s Walk of Stars installation at London’s Southbank.

She said: “I feel like with all these accolades, and particularly the star, I feel like my audience around the world deserve a little taster of something.

“So, I’m looking at doing something that will be kind of in celebration of the film and the audience around the world who’ve loved it.”

Gurinder added that she is working on a football-focused project.