New Bend It Like Beckham Sequel in Development: Will the Original Cast Reprise Their Roles?
A Bend It Like Beckham sequel is officially on the way, and it appears that several original cast members are considering the prospect of returning to their roles.
“I’m thrilled to revisit the original characters, rekindle the timeless story, and expand upon the legacy we contributed to women’s soccer,” Gurinder Chadha, the director of the 2002 film, shared with Deadline in July 2025.
In the original sports drama, Jess (Parminder Nagra) forms a friendship with Jules (Keira Knightley), a fellow soccer enthusiast who motivates her to try out for the Hounslow Harriers team. Jess secures a spot on the team but hides it from her disapproving family. Eventually, her family discovers the truth, leading to a web of deceit just before a dramatic soccer match coincides with her sister Pinky’s (Archie Panjabi) wedding.
Bend It Like Beckham also featured Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Shaznay Lewis, Anupam Kher, Shaheen Khan, Frank Harper, Juliet Stevenson, Ameet Chana, and Kulvinder Ghir, alongside cameos from David and Victoria Beckham.
Continue reading to learn more about the sequel and the likelihood of original cast members returning:
Is the Original ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ Cast Expected to Return for the Sequel?
So far, no official casting news has been announced, but Chadha mentioned to Deadline that the original cast members “are aware a sequel is being developed, but they want to see a script before committing.”
“I’m fairly confident that everyone will want to come back,” she added.
Chadha stressed that the creation of a compelling script will be the key factor in determining whether the actors decide to return.
“Everything depends on the script and if the original cast is pleased with it,” she noted. “I’m dedicated to ensuring every character I bring back has a strong arc and meaningful scenes.”
When to Expect the ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ Sequel
Chadha stated that she hopes to finalize the sequel by 2027 to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Bend It Like Beckham’s release. The timing is further highlighted by the FIFA Women’s World Cup scheduled for July 2027 in Brazil.
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Keira Knightley Reflects on the Legacy of ‘Bend It Like Beckham’
Knightley shared that those around her were initially doubtful about the film’s potential success.
“I distinctly remember telling people I was involved in something called Bend It Like Beckham, and their reactions were, ‘Oh, that sounds really embarrassing,’” the actress recounted during a March 2023 visit to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. “They all assured me, ‘Don’t worry. No one will see it. It’ll be fine.’”
She further remarked, “It was mainly the concept because, at that time, women’s soccer wasn’t as prominent, so the idea seemed somewhat absurd.”
Ultimately, Knightley was overjoyed to witness the film’s positive reception upon its release.
“It’s incredible because even today, when someone approaches me about my work, it’s usually this film,” she noted. “It’s cherished and it’s amazing.”
