Basel: Bend It Like Beckham is set for a sequel more than 20 years after its release, its director has confirmed to the BBC. Gurinder Chadha teased the revival in Basel on Saturday, where England's Lionesses are preparing to face world champions Spain in Sunday's Euro 2025 final. The 2002 film, which starred Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra, is credited with inspiring a generation of women to take up football.

According to BBC, Chadha expressed surprise at the original film's success, stating that her intention was to "uplift girls, girls who grew up like me, who were always being told how to dress, how to look, what to say, what not to say." She emphasized the importance of conveying the message that girls can pursue their passions and have it all. Chadha believes there are still important messages to convey and challenges to address, particularly concerning attitudes toward women's football.

Chadha mentioned the uncertainty regarding the form the sequel might take, whether as another film or a television series. She revealed that she has been frequently asked to produce a sequel since the original film's release. Despite significant changes since the first movie, Chadha noted that skepticism about women playing football still exists, although England's Lionesses are currently achieving success.

Reflecting on the current state of women's football and the accomplishments of the Lionesses, Chadha expressed her desire to reunite the original cast and hopes that members of the current England squad will take on cameo roles in the sequel.