Five sports films that deserve a reboot now that Bend It Like Beckham 2 is in the works
It's official - Bend It Like Beckham is getting a sequel. The news dropped after the Women's Euro final, with director Gurinder Chadha saying the time is finally right. She praised the Lionesses' incredible win and said she's ready to bring back the story that's meant so much to so many.
First released in 2002, the film has remained a household favourite and the reboot is set to land in 2027, to mark its 25th anniversary and the FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. it comes after Chloe Kelly's husband was left speechless as Lionesses hero sends him a telling message.
But while that one's in motion, here are five other sports films that deserve the same treatment.
Love & Basketball (2000)
This classic turned 25 this year, but it still continues to draw viewers in. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film's aim was to make a 'When Harry Met Sally' but a Black love version.
We follow Monica and Q from childhood rivals to college ballers and eventually pros, all while navigating love, ambition, and everything in between. But fans have been asking the same thing for years, did their daughter ever make it to the WNBA like her mum? And how did Monica and Q's relationship really play out after the credits rolled?
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Save the Last Dance (2001)
Technically there is a sequel but Save the Last Dance 2 didn't have the original cast and essentially was a spin off, rather than a sequel - leaving us left with the same burning questions.
We all want to know did Sara and Sean make it work long-term? Did Sara become the professional dancer she dreamed of being? And if a third sequel happens, we will have the answers and another steamy love film.
Blue Crush (2002)
This one was all about sisterhood, surfing, and defying expectations but also navigating love, money struggles and chasing big dreams. It had grit, but the male gaze kind of overshadowed the female empowerment angle, and a spin-off could change that.
But beyond ruling out the male gaze, there are still questions that haven't been answered. Did Anne Marie's dream of her little sister Penny quitting smoking and going to college happen? Did Leena ever stop living through Anne Marie?
Just Wright (2010)
This film was released later than the others, however it was the perfect blend of love and sports as we saw physical therapist, Leslie Wright fall in love with a professional basketball player, Scott McKnight.
It was a beautiful love story, but slightly rocky at the start but in the end we saw Leslie and Scott were finally married - but we need to know more, are they still together?
Wimbledon (2004)
This romcom doesn't get enough credit. It was sweet, served soft laughs , and showed the soft side of sport. The original followed a fading British player who falls in love with an American tennis star but in all honesty, it barely scratched the surface of the sport's real pressures and a second movie would do just that.
But while we wait in the hope of these movies releasing a sequel, we know for certain Bend it like Beckham is coming back.
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