Get ready to bend it again! Over two decades after charming audiences worldwide, a sequel to the beloved football film, Bend It Like Beckham, is officially in the works. Director Gurinder Chadha has confirmed plans for a follow-up, aiming for a 2027 release to coincide with the film’s 25th anniversary and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The original, released in 2002, starred Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, and told the heartwarming story of Jess and Jules, two teenagers who defy cultural expectations to pursue their passion for football. With its blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and family drama, the film quickly became a classic. Now, Chadha believes the time is ripe to revisit this world.
"A lot has changed since the original movie," Chadha told the BBC, "But I think that people still don’t think that women should play football. There are people who still don’t take it seriously." The recent surge in popularity of women’s football, particularly following England’s victory at Euro 2025, has further fueled her desire to create a sequel that reflects the progress and ongoing challenges in the sport.
While the format – whether a film or TV series – is yet to be determined, Chadha hopes to reunite the original cast and even include cameos from current England Women's national team players. "I’m pretty certain that everyone’s going to want to come back," she said. "Everything hinges on the script and if the original cast likes it. I am working really hard to make sure every character I bring back has a decent arc.”
With the spirit of the original still resonating, the sequel promises to capture the hearts of a new generation. The question now is: what will they call it this time? Bend It Like Kelly? Only time will tell.
