Bend It Like Beckham sequel in the works – could be film or TV show

Bend It Like Beckham was a remarkable and lauded hit back in 2002, grossing more than £75 million from a budget of less than $6 million, and bagging nominations at both the BAFTAs and the Golden Globes.

Nevertheless, a sequel has not yet materialised, but that could well change in the coming years as Chadha has revealed she is working on a script for a follow-up she hopes to see released before the film's 25th anniversary (in 2027).

"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.

On the participation of the original cast, Chadha said that they have been made "aware" of a sequel being in development, but none have signed on just yet as they "obviously want to see a script before they commit".

Still, the scribe was optimistic that "everyone's going to want to come back" as she's "working really hard to make sure every character... has a decent arc and scenes".

Chadha explained that she began thinking about a possible sequel to Bend It Like Beckham roughly two years ago, inspired by the massive surge in popularity of women's football.

"Women's football is more competitive, more exciting, and more global than ever," she summed up. "It is an honour for me to be a small part of it."

Chadha is consulting with Emma Hayes, head coach of the women's USA national team, to ensure the show accurately depicts the world of modern women's football.

Hayes herself is a self-proclaimed fan of the original film, recalling that it moved her to tears when she first saw it in the cinema, and that it went on to have a "massive impact" on her life.

Also hoping to contribute to the script of the sequel is Chadha's husband and Bend It Like Beckham co-writer Paul Mayeda Berges, who she credits with creating "some very funny lines" in the original film.

Although fans of the first film, among them UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, have expressed their support for the project, it's important to note that it hasn't received the green light just yet.

Furthermore, Chadha revealed that she had previously considered writing it in the form of a television drama, which would echo the belated sequel to fellow Brit hit The Full Monty (it arrived as a Disney Plus miniseries in 2023).

The screenwriter is keen to meet her 2027 target premiere, not only to mark the original film's quarter-century anniversary, but also to coincide with the 2027 Women's World Cup, which is sure to be full of yet more unforgettable sporting moments.

Bend It Like Beckham is available to stream on Disney Plus.

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