Encore Films announced that it has secured worldwide distribution rights for Kung Fu Soccer, the upcoming spin‑off of Stephen Chow’s 2001 cult classic Shaolin Soccer. The agreement covers all territories outside mainland China, where Maoyan Entertainment will handle the domestic rollout.
Directed by Chow himself, the film introduces an all‑female martial‑arts squad led by Zhang Xiaofei, who will portray the team’s captain. The cast also includes Dilraba Dilmurat, Lay Zhang and Joyce Lee, adding star power to a project that aims to ride the global excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup.
A milestone for Chinese cinema
Encore Films, founded in 2003 and based in Singapore, will manage theatrical and ancillary rights across international markets, leveraging its regional distribution network. The company highlighted the strategic timing of a 2026 release, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the original Shaolin Soccer phenomenon.
Stephen Chow, one of the most internationally recognizable figures in Chinese‑language cinema, described the new film as a fresh take that blends comedy, sport and martial arts. Industry observers expect the project to further cement China’s growing influence in global entertainment, especially as the world’s attention turns to football‑related releases.