Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Soccer Comes to Singapore and Beyond

Singapore-based distributor Encore Films has secured worldwide distribution rights outside China for Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Soccer, the long-awaited follow-up to his 2001 hit Shaolin Soccer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The deal marks the first major international distribution agreement for the film, which Chow has promoted as a blend of martial arts action and soccer-themed comedy.

Chow, a global icon whose films have grossed over $1 billion worldwide, told Variety in a 2025 interview that Kung Fu Soccer would expand on the original’s mix of physical comedy and martial arts, while incorporating modern soccer culture. The film’s production was delayed by scheduling conflicts and Chow’s commitments to other projects, including his 2024 Netflix series The Kung Fu Master. Encore Films, which specializes in Asian-language cinema, will handle marketing and theatrical releases, with a target premiere window expected in late 2027 or early 2028, sources close to the deal said.

The distribution rights exclude China, where Chow’s films traditionally perform strongly. Shaolin Soccer grossed $120 million domestically in 2001, making it one of the highest-grossing local films of the decade. International box office figures for the original are harder to pin down, but industry estimates place its global take at $150–180 million, with strong showings in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Kung Fu Soccer’s marketing will likely emphasize Chow’s enduring appeal, particularly in regions where Shaolin Soccer remains a cultural touchstone.

Analysts at Screen International note that Chow’s brand remains one of the most reliable in Asian cinema, citing his consistent box office draw and cross-generational fanbase. “Chow’s films don’t just perform—they create events,” said a distributor in Southeast Asia, requesting anonymity. “For Kung Fu Soccer, the challenge will be balancing nostalgia with fresh appeal, especially in markets where soccer is now a year-round obsession.”

Encore Films’ involvement signals confidence in the project’s commercial potential. The distributor has previously handled releases for other high-profile Asian action-comedies, including The Bodyguard (2017) and The Storm Riders (2021), both of which performed well in Southeast Asian and overseas markets. A spokesperson for Encore Films declined to comment on specific territories or marketing strategies but confirmed the deal’s finalization.

The film’s development has been closely watched by fans and industry observers alike. Chow first teased Kung Fu Soccer in 2018, calling it “a love letter to soccer and martial arts.” Production began in 2023 but faced delays due to Chow’s other commitments and the need to secure a distributor. The original Shaolin Soccer was a breakout hit, blending Chow’s signature slapstick with martial arts choreography and a soccer-themed plotline. The sequel is expected to build on that formula while incorporating modern elements, such as references to current soccer stars or global tournaments.

Box office analysts at Deadline project that Kung Fu Soccer could replicate—or exceed—the original’s international performance if marketed effectively. “The key will be leveraging Chow’s star power in regions where Shaolin Soccer was a phenomenon,” said a senior analyst. “But the film also needs to feel fresh, not like a rehash.”

Chow’s filmography has seen a resurgence in recent years, with his 2022 Netflix series The Kung Fu Master drawing global attention. The success of that project has likely strengthened his negotiating position for Kung Fu Soccer, ensuring better distribution terms. Encore Films’ deal covers all territories outside China, including key markets like the U.S., Europe, and Southeast Asia, where Chow’s films have historically thrived.

The film’s release timing remains fluid, but industry sources suggest a late-2027 or early-2028 window to maximize holiday and summer season appeal. Chow has not yet confirmed a cast for the sequel, though rumors persist about collaborations with younger Asian action stars to broaden its appeal.

For now, the deal represents a major step forward for Kung Fu Soccer, bringing it closer to theaters after years of development. Whether it can match—or surpass—the original’s cultural impact remains to be seen, but Chow’s track record suggests it will be a significant event for fans of both martial arts and soccer-themed cinema.