Encore Films Takes Worldwide Rights to Stephen Chow's Martial Arts Soccer Return

Singapore-based Encore Films has acquired worldwide theatrical distribution rights, excluding mainland China, for Stephen Chow's new action-comedy 'Kung Fu Soccer', a long-awaited spinoff of his 2001 hit 'Shaolin Soccer'. The deal was reported by multiple outlets, with Variety and The Hollywood Reporter confirming the acquisition.

VarietyEncore Films secures international distribution rights for Stephen Chow's 'Kung Fu Soccer'

The China-Hong Kong co-production centers on the Emei Women's Football Team as they compete in a fictional tournament that fuses martial arts with soccer. As Variety noted, "The China-Hong Kong co-production follows the Emei Women's Football Team competing in a fictional tournament that blends martial arts with sports."

"The China-Hong Kong co-production follows the Emei Women's Football Team competing in a fictional tournament that blends martial arts with sports."

That blend of genres is a hallmark of Chow's comedic style, promising the same kinetic energy that made 'Shaolin Soccer' a cult classic. The film stars Zhang Xiaofei, Dilraba Dilmurat, and Lay Zhang Yixing, according to both Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

The project marks Chow's return to directing after a seven-year hiatus, his last film being 2019's 'The New King of Comedy'. The Hollywood Reporter highlighted that "Chow's long-awaited spinoff of his 2001 hit 'Shaolin Soccer' marks Chow's first directorial effort in seven years."

"Chow's long-awaited spinoff of his 2001 hit 'Shaolin Soccer' marks Chow's first directorial effort in seven years."

While distribution outside China is now secured through Encore Films, the mainland China release will be handled by Maoyan Entertainment. No release dates have been announced yet, leaving fans eagerly awaiting when they can see Chow's latest martial arts comedy on the big screen.