16 things you probably didn't know about 'Bend It Like Beckham'

Martha SorrenSep 23, 2020, 01:54 IST

Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley starred in "Bend It Like Beckham."Sundance/WireImage via Getty Images

The sports comedy "Bend It Like Beckham" was an instant hit after its 2002 release.
David Beckham happily approved of his name being used in the film, but the title was changed for different international releases.
Stars Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra had to do months of soccer training before filming, but lots of the other actors were professional players.
The film is semi-autobiographical, according to writer/director Gurinder Chadha, who used her own family members as extras.

In 2002, "Bend It Like Beckham" helped launch Keira Knightley's career to new heights and introduced the world to Parminder Nagra, who went on to shows like NBC's "ER" and Netflix's "13 Reasons Why."

It also broke down barriers by putting young women, and young women of color, in star athlete roles, and it's striking how timely the movie still feels 18 years later. The movie recently hit Disney Plus, so old fans can rewatch it to their hearts' content, and a new generation of viewers can fall in love with the film.

In honor of its streaming release, read on for 16 fun facts that even die-hard fans may not know about "Bend It Like Beckham."

The production staff was worried that people wouldn't get the title in the US.

David Beckham appeared briefly as himself in archival footage. Fox Searchlight Pictures

In Germany, however, the film's title did change.

The film was renamed "Kick It Like Beckham" for its German release. Fox Searchlight Pictures

According to Chadha, the title is about more than just soccer.

Anupam Kher and Parminder Nagra in "Bend It Like Beckham." Fox Searchlight Pictures

Beckham let the movie use his name to promote women's soccer.

Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra in "Bend It Like Beckham." Fox Searchlight Pictures

Chadha wasn't a soccer expert when she created the film.

Director Gurinder Chadha said she didn't know much about the sport. Fox Searchlight Pictures

The lead actors spent months in soccer training to prepare for their roles.

Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley had to learn how to play soccer. Fox Searchlight Pictures

Nagra did the "bending" all on her own — and on the first take.

Parminder Nagra in "Bend It Like Beckham." Fox Searchlight Pictures

Some of the other castmates were real soccer players.

Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra acted alongside real soccer players. Fox Searchlight Pictures

Nagra worried her scar would keep her from getting the role.

The director added Parminder Nagra's scar into the script. Fox Searchlight Pictures

Chadha made two cameos in the movie.

Gurinder Chadha appeared in "Bend It Like Beckham." Fox Searchlight Pictures

Many of Chadha's family members also made appearances.

Gurinder Chadha cast her family members as extras in "Bend It Like Beckham." Fox Searchlight Pictures

The film is semi-autobiographical, and some characters are based on people from Chadha's life.

Parminder Nagra and Shaheen Khan in "Bend It Like Beckham." Fox Searchlight Pictures

Jess and Jules' jersey numbers are significant.

Jess is number seven, just like David Beckham. Fox Searchlight Pictures

It was the first Western-made movie shown on TV in North Korea.

"Bend It Like Beckham" has an interesting connection to North Korea. Fox Searchlight Pictures

Jonathan Rhys Meyers was worried the movie would be terrible.

Parminder Nagra and Jonathan Rhys Meyers in "Bend It Like Beckham." Fox Searchlight Pictures

The movie was adapted into a West End musical in 2015.

"Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical" opened on the West End in 2015. David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images

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