Lionesses ‘Queuing Up’ for Cameos in Bend It Like Beckham 2

Keira Knightley Wanted Back as Sequel Gathers Momentum with England Stars Like Chloe Kelly and Leah Williamson

More than two decades after its unexpected success, Bend It Like Beckham is preparing for a comeback, and this time, the Lionesses could be front and center. With director Gurinder Chadha now openly contemplating a sequel to her beloved football film, England’s women’s team—already icons in their own right—are said to be lining up for cameos. Among those rumored to appear are Euro 2022 hero Chloe Kelly and team captain Leah Williamson.

The original 2002 film, which starred Parminder Nagra and a then-rising Keira Knightley, was a heartwarming and boundary-pushing story that centered on women’s football in a time when the sport lacked the spotlight it deserved. Now, with the women’s game booming in England and beyond, a sequel feels not just welcome but essential.

A Cultural Landmark Ready for a New Chapter

When Bend It Like Beckham first hit cinemas, it tackled cultural norms, gender stereotypes, and racial tensions with both wit and warmth. It followed the story of Jesminder “Jess” Bhamra, a British-Indian teenager defying her traditional family to follow her dream of playing football. The story resonated globally and proved a box office surprise, grossing over $76 million worldwide and becoming a cultural touchstone.

Gurinder Chadha, the creative force behind the original, believes the time is finally right to return to the characters that inspired a generation. “We’ve been part of changing the game for women,” she said in a recent interview with the BBC. “So it felt like this was a good time for me to go back and investigate the characters.”

From Underdogs to Champions

England Euro 2025 penalty shootout Sweden Chloe Kelly

Much has changed since 2002. The women’s game in England has grown exponentially, and the Lionesses have become national heroes. Their triumph at the 2022 UEFA Women’s European Championship was more than a sporting victory—it was a cultural moment. Chloe Kelly’s euphoric celebration, removing her shirt and wheeling away in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley, etched itself into English football folklore.

Now, with Euro 2025 underway and the Lionesses once again pushing for continental glory, their visibility and influence have reached new heights. According to Chadha, “There are people who still don’t take [women’s football] seriously, although the Lionesses are riding high.”

She adds that the sequel could help shift that perception further, showcasing the sport’s transformative power, particularly for young girls.

Keira Knightley and the Power of Nostalgia

Chadha hopes to bring back the original cast, particularly Keira Knightley, whose Hollywood career took off in the wake of the film’s success. Though nothing is confirmed, the possibility of reuniting Knightley and Nagra, perhaps as mentors or coaches, is tantalizing.

“Keira was phenomenal,” Chadha notes. “She brought such an edge and vulnerability to Jules [her character]. And I’d love to explore where that character is now. Is she a coach? Is she fighting for pay equity? There’s so much to say.”

While the sequel would undoubtedly chart new territory, it’s likely to retain the heart of the original—football as a metaphor for freedom, identity, and empowerment.

The Lionesses: From Fans to Stars of the Show

With England’s women’s team reportedly “queuing up” for cameo roles, it’s clear that the players understand the cultural impact of the original film. Chloe Kelly and Leah Williamson, two of the squad’s most prominent faces, have expressed admiration for the movie’s legacy. For many current players, Bend It Like Beckham wasn’t just entertainment—it was inspiration.

“The film showed that you could dream big,” said Kelly in a past interview. “That football wasn’t just for the boys.”

Chadha’s goal is to blend fiction and reality in a way that amplifies that message. With real Lionesses on screen, the sequel could become a bridge between generations—one that celebrates both how far the game has come and how far it still has to go.

A Message That Still Matters

“The original film said, you can do what you want, and you can have it all,” Chadha told the BBC. “That’s still a message worth shouting from the rooftops.”

She believes there’s still work to be done in breaking down outdated views around women’s sport and female ambition in general. Though the Lionesses have made remarkable strides, equality in pay, media coverage, and facilities remains a hot-button issue. The sequel, if handled with the same nuance and sincerity as the original, could provide a platform to address these challenges.

Planning for a 2027 Release

A tentative release date in 2027 is being discussed, which would coincide with the 25th anniversary of the original film and align with the next Women’s World Cup. It’s a savvy move—blending nostalgia, relevance, and celebration.

“If we can land it in 2027,” says Chadha, “it will be a way to not only reflect on how much has changed but also to inspire another generation to dream without limits.”

What’s Next for the Lionesses?

Bend It Like Beckham Keira Knightley

On the pitch, England’s Lionesses continue to build momentum. With key players like Chloe Kelly, Leah Williamson, Ella Toone, and Lauren James all finding form at Euro 2025, expectations are high. A successful title defense would only increase their influence off the field.

A film like Bend It Like Beckham 2 could play a critical role in extending that influence. Not just as footballers, but as cultural icons who are reshaping the way the world sees women in sport.

Final Whistle

There’s no question that the world is more ready than ever for a Bend It Like Beckham sequel. With the Lionesses blazing trails and young girls lacing up their boots in record numbers, the timing feels perfect. As Chadha rightly puts it, “There’s still stuff to say, and stuff to challenge.”

If the original movie opened the door, perhaps this new chapter will kick it wide open.

Performance Rating (Out of Five): ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Anticipation Level for the Sequel: Sky-high. And if Chloe Kelly gets her cameo? Box office gold.

Next Fixture for the Lionesses: England vs. France – Euro 2025 Quarterfinals.