Original Cast Members Aware as Chadha Eyes 25th Anniversary Release and a “Super-Cool Story” for the Women’s Game
Washington DC, US – July 27, 2025 – Get ready to lace up your boots again, Bend It Like Beckham fans! Director Gurinder Chadha has just officially confirmed what many have been hoping for: a sequel to her beloved 2002 film, which famously starred Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, is now actively in the works!
Speaking from Basel, Switzerland, where she was eagerly anticipating the Women’s European Championship final between England and Spain (a repeat of their 2023 World Cup clash!), Chadha expressed her excitement. “I’m excited to revisit the original characters and revive the enduring story and build on the legacy we helped to create for the women’s game,” she told Deadline, highlighting the film’s lasting impact on women’s football.
Chadha also shared that the original cast members, including Nagra, Knightley, Archie Panjabi, and Juliet Stevenson, are all aware that a sequel is being developed. However, she emphasized a crucial point: “They obviously want to see a script before they commit.” Still, the director sounds optimistic about a reunion. “I’m pretty certain that everyone’s going to want to come back. 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 and scenes,” she explained, underlining her dedication to a quality story for everyone involved.
A New Story, 25th Anniversary Goals, and Paul Mayeda Berges’ Return
For years, Chadha resisted calls for a sequel, waiting for the right creative spark. “I didn’t want to do anything because I didn’t have a story,” she admitted. But that’s all changed! “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,” she enthusiastically revealed to Deadline.
Her desire to bring these beloved characters back to the screen is clear: “It’s my very clear wish to bring the characters back very, very soon.” She also noted how fitting the timing is, given the incredible growth of the sport. “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,” Chadha added, celebrating the significant strides women’s soccer has made since the original film.
Chadha has set an ambitious target: she hopes to have the sequel ready by 2027, which would mark the 25th anniversary of Bend It Like Beckham‘s UK opening in 2002.
The screenwriting process is already underway, with Chadha and her husband, Paul Mayeda Berges, discussing ideas. Berges co-wrote the original screenplay with Chadha and Guljit Bindra. “I’m hoping to write it with Paul, who has come up with some very funny lines like he did last time,” Chadha shared, hinting at the return of the witty dialogue that made the first film so memorable.