More than two decades after Bend It Like Beckham first inspired a generation of female footballers, a sequel to the smash hit is in the works, the film’s director has said.
Speaking in Basel on the eve of England’s Euro 2025 final against Spain, Gurinder Chadha OBE revealed that a follow‑up is in development, with a target release in 2027 to mark both the film’s 25th anniversary and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The format, whether a feature film or television series, has yet to be decided.
Ms Chadha says she has fielded requests for a sequel almost twice a week since 2002 but has been waiting until the right story came to her.
“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,” she told The Guardian.
“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 hopes to reunite Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley and the rest of the original cast, and suggested members of England’s current Lionesses would be “queuing up” for cameo roles.
Chadha has also enlisted US women’s national team manager Emma Hayes as a collaborator on the new script, drawing on her experience both on and off the pitch.
Released in 2002 on a budget of £3.5 million, Bend It Like Beckham went on to gross almost £60 million worldwide and is widely credited with inspiring a generation of female footballers.
Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who will attend Sunday’s final with Ms Chadha, described the announcement as “a brilliant moment for British film”:
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
Try for free
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
Try for free
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
“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. Gurinder Chadha gave us a story that resonated far beyond the screen and became part of our cultural DNA,” Ms Nandy said.
“The announcement of a follow up is a brilliant moment for British film. It builds on a legacy that continues to inspire and shows the world what British storytelling can do. Productions like this help tell our national story, remind us who we are, and who we can be.”
