Shaolin Soccer Spinoff Kung Fu Soccer From Stephen Chow Heads for North American Theaters
Stephen Chow’s long-awaited spinoff to his beloved 2001 sports martial arts film Shaolin Soccer is heading to North American theaters. Directed and written by Chow, Kung Fu Soccer will receive a theatrical release through distributor Encore Films, with the film expected to arrive later this year as the studio looks to capitalize on World Cup interest.
The spinoff follows the Emei Women’s Football Team, an underdog squad that combines martial arts with soccer skills to compete in a tournament called the Supreme Invincible Cup. The film stars Zhang Xiaofei and Dilraba Dilmurat, among others. Like its predecessor, Kung Fu Soccer is expected to feature substantial visual effects to bring its martial arts-soccer hybrid action sequences to life.
The announcement marks a significant moment for Chow’s franchise, coming 25 years after the original Shaolin Soccer achieved cult status worldwide. The original film blended sports comedy with martial arts action and became influential in Asian cinema. The new spinoff aims to capture similar appeal by focusing on a women’s football team, adding a fresh perspective to the franchise while maintaining the signature blend of athletic competition and kung fu choreography.