Gurinder Chadha has revealed that she has been working on a sequel to Bend It Like Beckham after the Lionesses’ success during the Women’s World Cup.
The film director, 62, admitted she was against making a sequel to the iconic 2000 flick until the Lionesses’ huge footballing success at the Euros and the World Cup.
She told The Mirror: ‘For the longest time, I never wanted to do a sequel. But I have to say, after the World Cup this year, and also with the EUROs a few years ago, my brain is ticking again, and I have an idea in my head that I’m thinking through for the first time.’
Gurinder – who also directed Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging – said she doesn’t think many sequels ‘hit the mark’ as she discussed her apprehension about doing one.
‘I never wanted to follow the girls off in America because I felt that what I had created was so magical for that moment in time,’ she added.
Sequel: Gurinder Chadha has revealed that she has been working on a sequel to Bend It Like Beckham after the Lionesses’ success during the Women’s World Cup
‘It’s very hard with sequels – there are very few sequels that I think really hit the mark after the success of the first film.
‘However, I do have an idea, and I am starting to work on it, so I think I will definitely do something that shows how brilliant our athletes are right now.’
The Lionesses have inspired her to think about a sequel after they won the Euros last year in an incredible victory and made it to the World Cup final this year, but narrowly missed out on the win to Spain.
Gurinder also opened up about her inspiration behind Bend It Like Beckham, telling how she realised ‘football was changing’ while watching an England match on TV.
She admitted she knew the film would do well, but never expected 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 screenplay, light-hearted tone, and commentary on South Asian social norms and culture.
The film, starring Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra, was a huge hit and grossed a staggering $76.6 million at the box office, making it the highest-grossing football sports film. It also became the first Western film to grace theatres in North Korea.
The sequel tease comes after Gurinder unveiled The National Lottery’ Walk of Stars’ installation to mark the start of BFI London Film Festival in the capital.
The installation, in partnership with the British Film Institute, celebrates the talent behind notable funded films and the rising stars of the UK film industry, whom the charity has also supported.
Gurinder is one of 10 individuals honoured with a star on Southbank’s Walk Of Stars.
Smash hit: Bend It Like Beckham was released in the UK in 2002, and the film received much praise for its commentary on South Asian culture (pictured: Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra)
Inspired: The film director, 62, admitted she was against making a sequel to the iconic 2000 flick until the Lionesses’ huge footballing success at the Euros (above) and the World Cup
National Lottery players raise around £30million weekly for good causes across the UK.
Their contribution to the UK film industry includes having funded the making of more than 600 films in the past 26 years – which have won 504 awards, including 16 Oscars, 124 BAFTAs, and 33 Cannes awards, from more than 1,868 nominations.
According to Express, Gurinder said: ‘Film has the unique power to bridge cultures, evoke emotions, and tell stories that resonate with people from all walks of life.’
‘The support has been instrumental in bringing these stories to the forefront and ensuring that diverse voices in the film industry have the opportunity to shine.’
‘This recognition serves as a reminder of the immense impact cinema can have on society – and an example of that is the increased awareness of women’s football following Bend It Like Beckham, She concluded.’
