25 years following the release of Hong Kong filmmaker Stephen Chow’s 2001 sports comedy film Shaolin Soccer, the 64-year-old has now set his sights on a spin-off, Kung Fu Soccer, which is due for a worldwide release thanks to Singapore-based distributor Encore Films.
Encore Films has acquired worldwide distribution rights and will handle the theatrical and related rights across international markets. The film was shot in 2025 and is now in post-production, with an expected launch window in 2026 to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Shaolin Soccer.
In a short video clip posted to Instagram by Chow, the director is asked when the movie will be released, to which he replies in Chinese, “I’m working hard to make it by 10 July (2026),” adding that if he can’t make it by that date, his next aim would then be 17 July. Chow also shared a hand-drawn concept sketch for the movie poster on Instagram Stories with the caption: “Kung Fu Soccer. 10 July? 17 July?”
Chow wrote and directed Kung Fu Soccer, which was previously named Shaolin Women’s Soccer, but does not star in it, having stepped back from acting roles following his 2008 science fiction comedy film CJ7. The upcoming film marks his first film as director since 2019’s The New King of Comedy, a remake of his 1999 film King of Comedy.
Kung Fu Soccer is set to retell the premise of Shaolin Soccer with an all-female squad, with the film following the underdog Emei team as they enter a championship, and stars Zhang Xiaofei (Hi, Mom) as its captain, alongside Dilraba Dilmurat (You Are My Glory) and Lay Zhang (No More Bets) in undisclosed roles.
“Most football films ask, ‘Can they win the match?’” said Encore managing director Joyce Lee in a statement. “A Stephen Chow film asks, ‘Can they win the match while breaking the laws of physics?’”
As one of the most recognisable faces in the world of Chinese-language cinema, Chow was responsible for some of the most well-known comedy films of the late 1990s to early 2000s, including the aforementioned King of Comedy and Shaolin Soccer, alongside 2004’s Kung Fu Hustle, which today remains a cult classic in the realm of martial arts cinema. Known for his mo lei tau comedy style, Chow frequently appeared in leading roles in his films before stepping back to focus on directing in 2010.
Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.
Si Jia
