Keira Knightley is down for a lesbian 'Bend It Like Beckham' sequel

"Keira Knightley saying her character in Bend It Like Beckham should've been a lesbian singlehandedly gave me my rights."

Bend It Like Beckham

Source: Bend It Like Beckham

As far as non-LGBTIQ+ mainstream films from the early 000's go, Bend It Like Beckham was pumping with lesbian energy.

The film starred Keira Knightley as the sporty Jules Paxton and Parminder Nagra as Jess Bhamra, a teenager rebelling against her Sikh family by playing football against their wishes. 

Jess and Jules became fast friends in the 2002 film, even sneaking the odd hand-hold, but stopped short of giving queer audiences the love story they so desperately wanted - despite rumours that an alternative, more romantic ending was written.
When informed by Pride Source that some LGBTIQ+ fans had wanted Jess and Jules to get together, Knightley replied: “F**k yeah! That would’ve been amazing. I think they should’ve been too."

She added: “I think that would’ve been great. We need a sequel.”
Jules and Jess
Source: Twitter
Knightley is currently on a promotional tour for the upcoming film Collette, in which she plays the titular character - bisexual author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, who agrees to ghostwrite a semi-autobiographical novel for her husband.


Share
1 min read

Published

Updated

By Samuel Leighton-Dore


Share this with family and friends


Download our apps
SBS On Demand
SBS News
SBS Audio

Listen to our podcasts
Good writing begins with questions. What does it take to write a good story?
What it's like navigating the world of dating and relationships when you're already partnered up with anxiety.
Real stories that will sometimes surprise you, move you, and leave you hanging on to every word.
Find more SBS podcasts on your favourite apps.

Watch SBS On Demand
The Swiping Game

The Swiping Game

From the intimacy of their bedrooms, Australians talk all things dating with startling honesty and humour.
Keira Knightley is down for a lesbian 'Bend It Like Beckham' sequel | SBS Voices