(L to R) Parminder Nagra and Jonathan Rhys Meyers in ‘Bend It Like Beckham’. Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.
Preview:
- A ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ sequel is in development.
- Co-writer/director Gurinder Chadha is kicking around story ideas.
- She’s hoping original stars Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley will return.
Women’s soccer (this British writer is kicking himself having to type that, with every fiber in his being screaming: “FOOTBALL!!”) is very much having a moment thanks to England’s women’s team triumphing over Spain in this weekend’s Women’s European Championship final to become winners twice in a row.
One filmmaker hoping to take advantage of the new interest is someone who helped spur it previously: Gurinder Chadha, who co-wrote and directed 2002 sports comedy drama ‘Bend it Like Beckham,’ is looking to make a sequel.
“Who wants to cook Aloo Gobi when you can bend a ball like Beckham?”
With the original starring Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Chadha is hopeful that the cast might return, though while everyone has indicated interested, they’re all waiting to see the script.
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What was the story of ‘Bend it Like Beckham’?
Keira Knightley in ‘Bend It Like Beckham’. Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.
The original followed Jess Bhamra (Nagra), the daughter of a strict Indian couple in London, who is not permitted to play organized soccer, even though she is 18.
When Jess is playing for fun one day, her impressive skills are seen by Jules Paxton (Knightley), who then convinces Jess to play for her semi-pro team.
Jess uses elaborate excuses to hide her matches from her family while also dealing with her romantic feelings for her coach, Joe (Meyers).
What could happen in the ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ sequel?
(L to R) Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley in ‘Bend It Like Beckham’. Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.
Chadha isn’t specifying details yet, but did say this to Deadline:
“I didn’t want to do anything because I didn’t have a story. And then I came up with a great story, really super-cool story. So now I’m inspired. Literally came up with it just about a month ago. It’s my very clear wish to bring the characters back very, very soon. Women’s football is more competitive ,more exciting, and more global than ever. It is an honor for me to be a small part of it.”
Her aim is to write the script with her husband, Paul Mayeda Berges, who also worked on the original:
“I’m hoping to write it with Paul, who has come up with some very funny lines like he did last time.”
When might a ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ sequel be on screens?
While there isn’t an official release date set, Chadha reportedly wants to have the sequel ready for a 2027 release, which would be 25 years after the original movie’s release in the UK.
And, not-so-coincidentally, it’s a key year for the game, with the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament set to kick off in host nation Brazil in June that year.
(L to R) Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Parminder Nagra in ‘Bend It Like Beckham’. Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.
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