Overview
- Encore Films announced it has acquired distribution rights for Kung Fu Soccer outside mainland China while Maoyan Entertainment will release the film inside the mainland.
- The film, written and directed by Stephen Chow as his first directorial effort in seven years, is in heavy visual‑effects post‑production following a March–June 2025 shoot.
- Chow posted a short social video signaling he is targeting a July release with tentative dates of July 10 or July 17, a timeline that remains unconfirmed by distributors.
- The cast is led by Zhang Xiaofei with Dilraba Dilmurat and Lay Zhang, and media reports cite cameo appearances by retired Chinese players Zhao Lina and Li Jiayue plus an unconfirmed guest role for Song Kang‑ho.
- The Encore deal clears the way for a coordinated international rollout tied to Shaolin Soccer’s 25th anniversary and World Cup interest, but a July launch could face strong summer competition in many markets.