Stephen Chow's 'Kung Fu Soccer' Scores $74 Million Opening Weekend in China, Eyes $350 Million Total

Stephen Chow's return to the director's chair after seven years has delivered a massive box office kick. 'Kung Fu Soccer,' a spinoff of his 2001 cult classic 'Shaolin Soccer,' opened to a staggering $73.6 million (RMB500.3 million) in just two days at the mainland China box office, Variety reported. Whatfinger put the figure at a nearly identical $74 million, calling it a "mighty" debut.

Variety'Kung Fu Soccer' Opens to $73.6 Million at China Box Office

"Kung Fu Soccer, a spinoff of his 2001 cult classic Sha…"

culturedailynews.comStephen Chow’s ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ Kicks Off With Mighty $74 Million Two-Day Debut at China Box Office

Chow's sports comedy follows a grassroots women's soccer team that uses martial arts choreography on the pitch, according to Variety. The film stars Zhang Xiaofei, Dilraba Dilmurat, and Lay Zhang, bringing together a mix of established and rising talent.

"Stephen Chow's first film as director in seven years, is projected to earn more than $350 million in its home market, with plans for a U.S. release still in the works."

The film is projected to gross more than $350 million in China alone, Whatfinger added. While a U.S. release is reportedly in development, no date has been announced, leaving international fans waiting for their chance to see Chow's latest blend of soccer and kung fu on the big screen.