Gurinder Chadha Announces Follow-Up to Bend It Like Beckham After 20 Years

More than two decades after the release of the iconic film "Bend It Like Beckham," writer and director Gurinder Chadha OBE has revealed plans to revive the beloved story, coinciding with the final of the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro Championship. Chadha, who directed the original 2002 film, expressed her excitement about bringing back the characters that resonated with audiences worldwide. The announcement was made during a press event in Basel, where the Lionesses are set to defend their title against Spain.

Chadha stated, "I am so happy to be here in Basel for the Euros, the atmosphere is amazing. My wish is to bring the beloved characters from Bend It Like Beckham back to you and audiences globally very soon." This follow-up project aims to highlight the evolution of women's football, which has become increasingly competitive and popular globally.

The original film, starring Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, portrayed the journey of Jesminder 'Jess' Bhamra, a British-Punjabi girl who navigated the challenges of cultural expectations while pursuing her passion for football. Released in 2002, it was a box office success and remains significant in the narrative of women's empowerment in sports. Chadha emphasized the importance of the film's message: "The original film was about lifting up girls and saying you can do and be anything you want, even though society dictates what you can and can’t do. That message is still relevant today."

In a significant collaboration, Emma Hayes, head coach of the US women's national football team, will join Chadha in this project. Hayes noted, "I met Gurinder at a chance meeting in Cannes in June. It felt like the stars aligned for us to meet. I told her the massive impact the film had on me when I was younger." Hayes's experiences in the women's game, both in the UK and the US, provide a unique perspective that will enrich the film's narrative.

Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, praised the announcement as a "brilliant moment for British film," emphasizing the cultural significance of the original work. "Bend It Like Beckham captured something so special about Britain, our spirit, our diversity, and our ability to dream big in the face of challenge," Nandy stated.

Chadha has taken her time to develop a storyline worthy of the original, waiting for the right plot to emerge. She remarked, "After 23 years and being unable to come up with a storyline that was as good as the original, I have finally found a fantastic story for a Bend It Like Beckham follow-up. It will be hard-hitting, of course, but it will also be incredibly joyous, how can it not be as a follow-up to Bend It Like Beckham?" The film aims to continue the legacy of inspiring women and girls in sports, reflecting the advancements and challenges faced in women's football today.

As the project develops, fans of the original film and new audiences alike await further details on the format—whether it will be a sequel, series, or another format entirely. Chadha’s commitment to honoring the legacy of "Bend It Like Beckham" while addressing contemporary issues in women's sports promises a compelling narrative that resonates with both nostalgia and current realities.

In conclusion, the revival of "Bend It Like Beckham" signifies not only a return to a cherished story but also an opportunity to highlight the ongoing evolution of women's football, making it a relevant narrative for today’s audiences. The collaboration between Chadha and Hayes is poised to bring fresh insights into the challenges and triumphs of women in sports, reinforcing the film's impact on cultural and societal expectations in a contemporary context.