Bend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha teases a sequel for the 2002 flick after the Lionesses’ success at the Women’s World Cup
Gurinder Chadha has revealed that she is working on a sequel to Bend It Like Beckham following the success of the Lionesses during the Women’s World Cup.
The director, 62, admitted that she was against making a sequel to the 2000 cult film until the Lionesses’ huge football success at the Euros and the World Cup.
She said The mirror: For the longest time, I never wanted to do a sequel. But I have to say, after the World Cup this year, as well as the EURO a few years ago, my brain is ticking again and I have an idea in my head that I am thinking about for the first time.’
Gurinder – who also directed Angus, Thongs and The Perfect Snog – said she didn’t think many sequels ‘hit the mark’ as she discussed her fear of making one.
“I never wanted to follow the girls in America because I felt that what I created was so magical for that moment,” she added.
Sequel: Gurinder Chadha reveals she’s working on Bend It Like Beckham sequel after Lionesses success during Women’s World Cup
“It’s very difficult with sequels – there are very few sequels that I think really hit the mark after the success of the first movie.
“However, I have an idea and I’m starting to work on it, so I think I’ll definitely do something that shows how great our athletes are right now.”
The Lionesses have inspired her to think about moving on after last year’s incredible win at the European Championship and this year’s World Cup final, but narrowly missing out on victory in Spain.
Gurinder also opened up about her inspiration for Bend It Like Beckham, saying she realized ‘football is changing’ while watching an England game on TV.
She admitted that she knew the film would do well, but she didn’t expect it to still be a huge classic more than 20 years later.
Bend It Like Beckham was released in the UK in 2002 and the film received much praise for its script, light-hearted tone and commentary on social norms and South Asian culture.
The film, starring Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra, was a huge hit and grossed a whopping $76.6 million at the box office, making it the highest grossing film about the sport of football. It also became the first Western film to grace cinemas in North Korea.
The tease below comes after Gurinder unveiled the National Lottery’s Star Walk installation to mark the start of the BFI London Film Festival in the capital.
The installation, in partnership with the British Film Institute, celebrates the talent behind significant funded films and the rising stars of the British film industry, which the charity has also supported.
Gurinder is one of 10 individuals to be honored with a star on Southbank’s Walk of Stars.
The smash hit: Bend It Like Beckham was released in the UK in 2002 and the film was widely praised for its commentary on South Asian culture (pictured: Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra)
Inspired: The director, 62, admitted she was against making a sequel to the 2000 cult film until the Lionesses’ huge football success at the Euros (above) and World Cup
National Lottery players raise around £30 million a week for good causes across the UK.
Their contribution to the UK film industry includes funding the making of more than 600 films over the last 26 years – which have won 504 awards, including 16 Academy Awards, 124 BAFTAs and 33 Cannes Awards, across more than 1,868 nominations.
According to Express, Gurinder said, “Film has a unique power to bridge cultures, evoke emotions and tell stories that resonate with people from all walks of life.”
“The support has been key to bringing these stories to the fore and ensuring that diverse voices in the film industry have a chance to shine.”
“This recognition serves as a reminder of the huge impact cinema has on society – exemplified by the increased awareness of women’s football following Bend It Like Beckham, she concluded.”