It has been over two decades since Bend It Like Beckham came out. Now, writer and director Gurinder Chadha has shared some big news. She has finally found a great story for a sequel. However, whether it will be a sequel to the feature film, series or alternative, that is yet to be decided.
The original film, released in 2002, followed Jesminder “Jess” Bhamra. Jess was a football-loving Punjabi British girl trying to follow her dreams. She joined the Hounslow Harriers while dealing with pressure from her family and society. The movie was a huge hit.
As quoted by The Guardian, Chadha said: “What I can share with you today is my very clear wish to bring the beloved characters from Bend It Like Beckham back to you and audiences globally very, very soon. Women’s football is more competitive, more exciting, and more global than ever. It is an honour for me to be a small part of it.”
She added: “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.”
Chadha also confirmed that Emma Hayes is helping with the project. Hayes coached Chelsea to many trophies and now leads the US women’s team.
Hayes said: “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 had on me when I was younger and that I was Keira Knightley in Bend it Like Beckham. I cried in the cinema watching the film because I felt just like Jess and Jules.”
“There was no hope for women’s football in Britain then, so I was going to the US to try my luck there,” Hayes added. “I could never have dreamed of how much that film helped change the women’s game. Now, I have the best job in world football as head coach of the US women’s national team. Like I said, the stars aligned and now I’m helping Gurinder with all my experience and insight in the game.”
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