More than two decades after its debut, Bend It Like Beckham is officially getting a sequel! Director Gurinder Chadha has confirmed that Bend It Like Beckham 2 is in development, with hopes of releasing it in 2027 to mark the 25th anniversary of the iconic film. Fans are buzzing, and here’s everything we know so far.
Why the Original Film Still Matters
Released in 2002, Bend It Like Beckham followed Jess (Parminder Nagra) and Jules (Keira Knightley), two young women defying cultural and societal expectations to pursue their passion for soccer. The film became a global hit and a cultural milestone, especially for women’s sports representation.
Director Gurinder Chadha recalls being dismissed early on when pitching the first film: “Who wants to see a film about girls playing football?” But the movie went on to inspire a generation of female athletes and filmmakers.
Chadha has said that the original message—empowering girls to pursue their dreams—is still incredibly relevant today, even with the massive growth in women’s football. That message will be central to the sequel as well.
Plot Hints, Production Details & What to Expect
While a detailed plot hasn’t been revealed, Chadha teased that the sequel will carry the same spirit: “It will be hard-hitting, but also incredibly joyous,” she told Deadline. The idea came to her shortly before attending the 2025 UEFA Women’s Championship, and she felt newly inspired to revisit Jess and Jules’ story.
Chadha is once again leading the project and plans to write the script alongside her husband Paul Mayeda Berges. They’ll also collaborate with Emma Hayes, the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, to bring authenticity and depth to the soccer scenes. “Her insights into the world of football at her level are invaluable,” Chadha said.
The team is aiming for a 2027 release to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the original film and the FIFA Women’s World Cup that same year.
Cast & Characters: Who’s Returning?
No official cast has been announced yet, but Chadha confirmed that former cast members are aware of the sequel. She’s optimistic: “I’m pretty certain that everyone’s going to want to come back.” However, returning stars like Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra have not publicly confirmed their involvement.
Knightley previously said that Bend It Like Beckham is still the most talked-about movie of her career, and Nagra said she’d need to see the script before deciding. Chadha emphasized that she’s working hard to give every returning character “a decent arc and scenes.”
The first film also starred Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Archie Panjabi, and Juliet Stevenson, among others—many of whom could make a comeback depending on the script’s direction.