Movies
‘Bend It Like Beckham 2′: Everything We Know About the Sports Rom-Com’s Sequel
After quite a lengthy halftime, director Gurinder Chadh is ready to kick off the sequel to 2002’s Bend It Like Beckham.
“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,” Chadh told Deadline.
The director didn’t want to rush into making the sports rom-com’s sequel before she had the bones of the story, hence the 23-year wait. “And then I came up with a great story, really super-cool story, so now I’m inspired,” Chadh said, adding that she was motivated by the increase in support for women’s football worldwide. “It’s my very clear wish to bring the characters back very, very soon.”
So, how far along is Bend It Like Beckham 2? Will Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra reprise their roles? Dive into everything we know below.
Has Bend It Like Beckham 2 started filming?
Sorry, Bend It Like Beckham fans: The sequel hasn’t started production yet. In fact, Chadh “literally came up with [the story] just about a month ago.”
Who’s in the Bend It Like Beckham 2 cast?
The sequel’s lineup isn’t finalized yet. Chadha has informed members of the original cast, including Nagra and Knightley, that the sequel is in the works, but they’re waiting to see the script before signing on.
“Everything hinges on the script and if the original cast likes it,” Chadha said. “I am working really hard to make sure every character I bring back has a decent arc and scenes.”
Still, she’s hopeful that it works out. “I’m pretty certain that everyone’s going to want to come back,” she added.
When will Bend It Like Beckham 2 be released?
No release date is confirmed yet, but Chadh hopes the sequel will premiere around the original’s 25th anniversary, which falls in 2027. It’s the same year that the FIFA Women’s World Cup takes place, from June 24 to July 25. We hope they pull off that timing!
Who’s making Bend It Like Beckham 2?
Chadh said she’s having conversations about the sequel with her husband, screenwriter Paul Mayeda Berges. He was a part of the first movie’s writing team, alongside Guljit Bindra. “I’m hoping to write it with Paul, who has come up with some very funny lines like he did last time,” Chadh said.
The director revealed that she’s also collaborating with Emma Hayes, who’s been the head coach of the U.S. women’s national soccer team since June. They met during Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. “[Hayes’] insights into the world of football at her level are invaluable,” Chadha added.
What will Bend It Like Beckham 2 be about?
The first movie follows 18-year-old Jess Bhamra (Nagra) as she attempts to follow her soccer-playing dreams, against the wishes of her strict parents (Anupam Kher and Shaheen Khan). When Jules (Knightley) notices Jess’ skill, she convinces her to join her semi-pro team. Jess meets and falls for her coach, Joe (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) while trying to hide her new hobby from her parents. The movie ends with Jess and Jules pursuing their soccer career in the success in the U.S.
Though the exact story details for the sequel haven’t been shared, Chadha suggested that Bend It Like Beckham‘s message is still relevant today, even though women’s soccer has become more popular in the years since it came out. So, it’s safe to assume that the followup will share the same themes.
“[It] was about lifting up girls and saying, ‘You can do and you can be anything you want even though society dictates what you can and can’t do,’” she explained. “The film’s been part of that legacy, and I feel there’s more that I can do. So that’s what I’m writing and that’s what I’m focusing on. 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.”
Bend It Like Beckham 2, TBD, In Theaters
