THE APEX TIMES
Encore Films acquires worldwide rights outside China for Stephen Chow’s “Kung Fu Soccer” follow-up
The distributor behind the Singapore company’s acquisition says it has secured worldwide rights for Stephen Chow’s “Shaolin Soccer” follow-up, a new film directed by Chow that reunites the franchise’s kung fu and comedy mix with a new cast.
Stephen Chow’s “Shaolin Soccer” follow-up, titled “Kung Fu Soccer,” has landed a worldwide rights and distribution deal, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The report says Singapore-based distributor Encore Films acquired worldwide distribution rights outside China for the film, positioning Encore to handle territories beyond the franchise’s home market.
The new deal centers on Chow’s first feature film as director since 2019, returning to a role he has not held on a major release for several years. Chow is also identified as the creative force behind the “Shaolin Soccer” universe, and the follow-up is being framed by the industry outlet as a direct spin-off from the original.
The Hollywood Reporter also lists the film’s principal cast, naming Zhang Xiaofei, Dilraba Dilmurat, and Lay Zhang as stars of “Kung Fu Soccer.” The reporting indicates the production is built around a multi-star lineup rather than a single-franchise lead, which is consistent with Chow’s history of assembling ensemble casts for comedy and action set pieces.
According to the report, Encore Films’ acquisition is specifically limited to worldwide rights outside China. That territorial carve-out suggests separate handling for China-based distribution, with the new international agreement designed to reduce overlap and clarify who controls where the film can be marketed and released.
Rights transactions of this type typically determine which distributor can localize marketing, set release windows, and manage print and digital rollouts in each territory. With Encore now holding the worldwide portion outside China, the company is expected to move forward with distribution planning across international markets, subject to any further approvals tied to local release requirements.
The report did not provide a specific release date or premiere venue for “Kung Fu Soccer.” It also did not describe whether Encore’s plan includes theatrical, streaming, or home entertainment components, though a rights acquisition generally covers at least some combination of those channels depending on the contract terms.
As the deal takes shape, international audiences can expect more standard industry updates around marketing timelines, promotional casting announcements, and the eventual rollout schedule in each territory covered by Encore’s agreement, while China distribution is handled separately under the reported outside-China restriction.
Why It Matters
- Territorial rights deals like this determine how and where an international film will be marketed and released, shaping what audiences outside China can access and when.
- Chow’s return to feature directing after a multi-year gap increases attention on the follow-up, particularly for markets that rely on established franchise branding.
- The casting of multiple high-profile stars may influence promotional strategy and language-adaptation decisions across covered territories.
- The deal’s outside-China restriction highlights the continued segmentation of Asian film distribution by region, affecting release windows and audience expectations.
Key Facts
- Singapore distributor Encore Films has acquired worldwide rights outside China for “Kung Fu Soccer,” described as a follow-up spin-off to Stephen Chow’s “Shaolin Soccer.”
- The Hollywood Reporter reported the deal on June 22, 2026.
- “Kung Fu Soccer” is Stephen Chow’s first film as director since 2019, according to the report.
- The film stars Zhang Xiaofei, Dilraba Dilmurat, and Lay Zhang, The Hollywood Reporter said.
- Encore’s rights are limited to territories outside China, indicating separate China handling under a different arrangement.