Singapore-based Encore Movies has secured worldwide theatrical distribution and associated rights outdoors Mainland China for “Kung Fu Soccer,” the brand new function from filmmaker Stephen Chow.
The motion comedy – a China-Hong Kong co-production – follows the Emei Ladies’s Soccer Crew because it battles by way of the fictional “Supreme Invincible Cup” event, mixing martial arts with sport. The ensemble solid is led by Zhang Xiaofei, Dilraba Dilmurat and Lay Zhang Yixing.
In Mainland China, the movie will probably be distributed by Maoyan Leisure. Encore Movies will oversee all different territories, persevering with its growth into large-scale Chinese language business releases following its worldwide rollout of the record-breaking animated blockbuster “Ne Zha 2.”
“Director Stephen Chow is widely regarded as the ‘King of Comedy’ and one of the rare filmmakers whose work has entertained audiences across cultures for decades,” mentioned Joyce Lee, managing director of Encore Movies. “Most football films ask, ‘Can they win the match?’ A Stephen Chow film asks, ‘Can they win the match while breaking the laws of physics?’ That’s the magic of ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ – a film that blends imagination, action, heart, and comedy in a way only Chow can.”
“With its extensive international distribution experience and strong network of partners worldwide, we believe ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ will reach audiences across many markets. We also look forward to working with outstanding distribution partners around the world to bring this exciting film to global audiences,” a spokesperson for The Star Abroad Restricted added.
“Kung Fu Soccer” marks Chow’s return to the soccer-and-martial-arts style greater than twenty years after “Shaolin Soccer.” Additionally it is his first function as director since 2019’s “The New King of Comedy.” The movie is conceived as a multi-language launch, with dialogue in Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Korean, Japanese and Thai. The movie has been positioned to capitalize on pleasure across the 2026 FIFA soccer World Cup, with the discharge date nonetheless to be confirmed. Chow’s earlier movies embrace “Kung Fu Hustle,” which grossed over $100 million worldwide, together with “CJ7” and “The Mermaid.”
Encore Movies is at the moment in discussions with distribution companions throughout worldwide markets, with additional territorial bulletins anticipated.
