Stephen Chow Makes His Return to the Sport With ‘Kung Fu Soccer,’ Closing International Rights Deal More Than Two Decades After ‘Shaolin Soccer’

Singapore-based Encore Films has secured worldwide theatrical distribution and related rights outside Mainland China for “Kung Fu Soccer,” the new feature from filmmaker Stephen Chow.

The action comedy – a China-Hong Kong co-production – follows the Emei Women’s Football Team as it battles through the fictional “Supreme Invincible Cup” tournament, blending martial arts with sport. The ensemble cast is led by Zhang Xiaofei, Dilraba Dilmurat and Lay Zhang Yixing.

In Mainland China, the film will be distributed by Maoyan Entertainment. Encore Films will oversee all other territories, continuing its expansion into large-scale Chinese commercial releases following its international 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,” said Joyce Lee, managing director of Encore Films. “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.”