“Bend that as Beckham” sequel announced 22 years later

Football fans, rejoice!

Bend it as Beckham Was an early Augts love letter to the sport and a feel good girl power film for many who come in age at that time. What started as a small movie became a big hit – it now gets a sequel.

Gurinder Chadha develops a sequel to the film, 22 years after the success of the original, she announced Deadline.

“I am happy to visit the original characters and revive the lasting story and build on the inheritance we helped create for the women’s game,” the director shared with the outlet.

The movie played Parminder Nogra as Jess and Keira Knightley as Jules, two women with a passion for football that ends up on a team and opens a friendship. The movie sees Jules fall for a coach while Jess sneaks around and plays the game against his parents’ wishes.

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Nagra and Knightley, as well as other original role members, are interested in the sequel, but have not yet been involved.

“(They) are aware that a sequel is developing, but they obviously want to see a script before they connect,” Chadha explains and adds, “I’m pretty sure everyone will want to come back.”

“Everything depends on the script and if the original role likes it,” says Chadha. “I work really hard to make sure every character I take back has a decent bow and scenes.”

Later, she adds, “It is my very clear desire to bring back the characters very, very soon. Women’s football is more competitive, more exciting and more global than ever. It’s an honor for me to be a small part of it.”

Chadha was further inspired to work with the film after being introduced to Emma Hayes, head coach of the US Women’s National Soccer Team. Hayes shared with Deadline that the original film had a “massive impact” on her life.

“I was Keira Knightley in Bend it. I cried at the cinema and watched the movie because I felt just like Jess and Jules, ”shared Hayes.

“There was no hope for women’s football in the UK then, so I was going to the states to try my luck. 23 years ago I could never have dreamed of how much that movie changed women’s game and now I have the best job in the world – head coach for the American female national team.”

The goal is for the sequel to hit screens in 2027 to mark the 25 anniversary of the original. This is also important because that summer teams from all over the world will compete in Fifa Women’s World Cup tournament in Brazil from June 24 to July 25, 2027.