Director Stephen Chow’s ‘Shaolin Soccer’ spin-off ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ to be released in the US

Stephen Chow’s kung fu soccer It ended the summer as China’s biggest box office hit and is heading to theaters in North America and the UK.

Singapore-based distributor Encore Films said Wednesday the comedy legend’s long-awaited release. Shaolin Soccer The spinoff is scheduled to be released in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland on October 23rd. This release includes the original language version and a newly produced English dub featuring the voice acting of Chow, Jimmy O. Yang, and MC Jin.

The release takes place in the 25th anniversary year. Shaolin Soccerbecame the highest-grossing local film in Hong Kong upon its release in 2001, and has since grown to a global cult following. Chow followed suit. Kung Fu Hustle (2004) was another genre masterpiece that grossed over $100 million worldwide and cemented Hong Kong’s reputation as one of its top comedy-action hitmakers.

I spent some time at home enjoying the World Cup fever this summer. kung fu soccer From June 1 to August, it earned approximately $344.4 million (CNY 2.315 billion) in China. 31 Summer moviegoing season brings in the most revenue of the season. Chow’s return boosted China’s summer theatrical revenue to $1.86 billion (12.498 billion yuan), up 4.45% year-on-year, according to figures from the China Film Administration and Maoyan Research Institute.

This work was written and directed by Chow. kung fu soccer This marks his first feature film in front of the camera since 2019. The new king of comedy. Previously announced under the title Shaolin women’s soccerThe Hong Kong-China co-production reworks the original film’s martial arts meets scrappy sports team by focusing on a team of underdog women.

Chinese blockbuster star Zhang Xiaofei hi momYou play the captain of the Emei women’s soccer team participating in the Supreme Invincible Cup, determined to prove the doubters wrong. Dilraba Dilmurat plays the team’s star striker, while Lay Zhang acts as a kung fu mentor, helping the players overcome powerful opponents and setbacks on and off the field by combining martial arts mastery and soccer skills. The ensemble also includes Hong Kong screen icon Karina Lau, Japanese stars Takeru Sato, Sisley Choi, Louise Cheung, Yang Yang and Jin.

Encore has acquired worldwide distribution rights outside of mainland China from Chow’s production banner The Star Overseas., In June. The October Western release follows the film’s initial Asia Pacific release.

“ Following the explosive response kung fu soccer We are excited to present this film to audiences in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland and across Asia and Oceania,” said Joyce Lee, Managing Director of Encore Films.

“Stephen Chow’s films have always transcended language and cultural boundaries, uniting audiences through his unique blend of action, comedy and heart,” she added.

Encore also completed the Cantonese dubbing. “With a special English dub version that will make the film more accessible to a wider audience, and a newly completed Cantonese dub version with voice actors to be announced soon, we look forward to reconnecting with longtime fans while introducing Stephen Chow’s signature comedic style to new audiences,” Lee said.