'King of Comedy' Stephen Chow’s brand new directorial film 'Kung Fu Soccer' is causing a stir before its release! Renowned in the international film distribution industry, Encore Films officially announced today that it has exclusively secured the global distribution rights for 'Kung Fu Soccer' outside of mainland China, meaning fans worldwide will have the chance to enjoy this long-awaited new work from the ‘King of Comedy’ on the big screen.
Stephen Chow has long been one of the most influential directors in the Chinese film industry, having directed and produced classics such as 'Kung Fu Hustle,' 'Shaolin Soccer,' 'CJ7,' and 'The Mermaid,' all of which enjoyed both box office success and public acclaim. 'Kung Fu Hustle' surpassed US$100 million at the global box office, while 'Shaolin Soccer' became a timeless classic in the hearts of countless fans. Chow’s signature nonsensical comedy style, boundless imagination and stories filled with humanistic emotions have not only captivated Chinese-speaking audiences but also won international fans.
This time, 'Kung Fu Soccer' is viewed as Stephen Chow’s much-anticipated return to his signature 'Soccer + Kung Fu' theme. The project has attracted attention since the preparation stage, especially during the global audition for the lead actress, which sparked widespread discussion. The announced cast is also star-studded, with acclaimed Chinese actors Zhang Xiaofei, Dilraba Dilmurat, and Zhang Yixing taking leading roles. Audiences are eager to see what sparks will fly as these three collaborate with Stephen Chow.
According to sources, 'Kung Fu Soccer' will continue the consistent traits of Chow’s works, perfectly blending Chinese martial arts, passionate competition, and fantastical creativity, while infusing his trademark humor and touching elements to deliver a thrilling and inspiring cinematic adventure. With the fever for the 2026 FIFA World Cup sweeping the globe, the film is widely expected to become one of the most anticipated Chinese-language blockbusters of the year.
In recent years, Encore Films has actively expanded its global distribution network, successfully bringing numerous Asian films to the international market, including the animated film 'Nezha 2,' which achieved impressive box office results. Securing the global distribution rights for 'Kung Fu Soccer' is seen as an important milestone in the company’s international strategy.
She revealed that Encore Films is currently in active discussions with partners in multiple international markets, and will be announcing 'Kung Fu Soccer’'s release schedules and plans for major markets around the world in due course. For the Mainland China market, Maoyan Entertainment will handle distribution. With the distribution plan officially underway, fans around the globe are one step closer to experiencing the unique charm of Stephen Chow once again. #