Keira Knightley recalls being told ‘nobody will see’ Bend it Like Beckham

Virgin Radio

16 Mar 2023, 11:12

Credit: Getty / Rex

It’s been over two decades since Bend it Like Beckham landed in cinemas, and the film holds a special place in the hearts of many film fans. However, Keira Knightley had no idea that the film would provide her breakout role.

The star actor, who has gone on to appear in the likes of Pirates of the Caribbean and Love Actually, played Jules, a tomboy football player struggling against social norms who convinces lead character Jess (Parminder Nagra) to pursue the sport.

The film came out in the UK in 2002, and was released in 2003 in the US. When appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon last night (15th March), talk turned to the classic movie, with the host asking the star if she knew that it would be a big hit.

“No. No, no,” she replied. “I literally remember telling people that I was doing it, and saying, you know, ‘It's called Bend it like Beckham,’ and them going, ‘Oh, that's really embarrassing’.”

She continued: “They were all like, ‘Don't worry. Nobody will see it, it's fine.’ But it was the idea of it, because you know women's soccer was not as big back then.”

Despite the fact that hopes didn’t seem to be too high for the success of Bend it Like Beckham, the Atonement star said: “It's amazing, because it's still the film, even today, you know, if somebody comes up and talks to me about my work, it's that one. It's so loved.”

While on the chat show, the UK actor spoke to Jimmy Fallon about her next movie, Boston Strangler, which is based on the true story of the notorious killer.

Knightley plays Loretta McLaughlin (played by Knightley), who was the reporter that broke the story of the Boston Strangler. Her character investigates the murders with the help of colleague Jean Cole (played by Coon from Gone Girl). However, the pair are beset by the sexism of the era, as well as encountering corruption and other obstacles along the way.

The Boston Strangler will be released tomorrow, 17th March on Disney+.