Stephen Chow’s Shaolin Soccer Spin-off Moves 1 Step Closer to Global Release

The sequel to Stephen Chow’s martial arts sports comedy, Shaolin Soccer, just landed an international distributor. The follow-up is expected to release later this year, 25 years after the original debuted in theaters.

Shaolin Soccer spin-off movie gets an incredible update

The Singapore-based Encore Films will handle the international distribution for Kung Fu Soccer, a follow-up to Stephen Chow’s 2001 cult classic, Shaolin Soccer. The company has the rights not only to oversee the theatrical release but also to exercise other related rights outside mainland China. Meanwhile, Maoyan Entertainment will distribute the movie locally.

Previously, Encore Films distributed hits such as Suzume, Iron Lung, The Housmaid, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, and Ne Zha 2 in Singapore and other Southeast Asian regions.

At this moment, the filmmakers have not confirmed a release date for Kung Fu Soccer. However, it was reportedly shot in 2025, is currently in post-production, and will likely be released sometime this year.

Chow, who starred, co-wrote, and directed the original, returned to write and helm the sequel. Initially, the movie was reportedly titled Shaolin Women’s Soccer, but was ultimately renamed to Kung Fu Soccer. The upcoming installment will focus on an all-women’s soccer team called the Emei. Similar to the original, the team will use martial arts to defy the laws of physics and attempt to win a championship.

The cast includes Zhang Xiaofei, Dilraba Dilmurat, and Lay Zhang, among others. Chow will not be making an on-screen appearance. If the original movie and Chow’s legacy are anything to go by, the sequel might deliver yet another fun, action-filled martial arts adventure.

Released in 2001, Shaolin Soccer was both a commercial and critical success. It grossed approximately $42.7 million globally on a $10 million budget. Meanwhile, it boasts an impressive 89% Tomatometer score and an 84% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. It also starred Zhao Wei, Ng Man-tat, Patrick Tse, Wong Yat-fei, Mok Mei-lam, and others in prominent roles.

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