Story perspectives

Stephen Chow’s ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ Rakes $214M, Forecast Raised

7/21/2026

Summary

Stephen Chow Scores

Kung Fu Soccer earned $73.7 million (RMB 501.1 million) on July 17-19 2026, bringing its nine-day total to $214.3 million (RMB 1.46 billion).
Maoyan lifted its forecast to $441 million (RMB 3 billion) after the strong opening.
Encore Films (Singapore) holds worldwide rights outside mainland China and plans a North American release in 2026.
Director Stephen Chow, 64, wrote and directed the movie—his first since 2019—and the film stars Zhang Xiaofei, Dilraba Dilmurat and Lay Zhang.

Summary

Film Sparks Controversy

Film sparked tension after professor Seo Kyoung-duk said it disparaged Ewha Women’s Football Team, sharing its name with Ewha Womans University.
Chinese Weibo users mocked the Korean side as opportunistic and claimed the portrayal was meant to represent Korea.
Critics Sohu News and Douban called film’s reliance on football rivalries and stereotypes a flaw, gave it 6.5/10, and criticized its effects, which used half the 380 million yuan ($56 million) budget, as poor.

History

Historical Context

In 2002, FIFA staged the first World Cup jointly in South Korea and Japan, marking the tournament’s inaugural Asian and multi-nation hosting. South Korea’s surprise run to the semi-finals—defeating Italy, Spain and others—made it the first non-UEFA/CONMEBOL side to reach that stage and sparked intense regional media attention. The event generated about $1.3 billion in revenue, underscoring its economic and cultural impact across East Asia.

1 of 3

Stephen Chow Scores

Kung Fu Soccer earned $73.7 million (RMB 501.1 million) on July 17-19 2026, bringing its nine-day total to $214.3 million (RMB 1.46 billion).
Maoyan lifted its forecast to $441 million (RMB 3 billion) after the strong opening.
Encore Films (Singapore) holds worldwide rights outside mainland China and plans a North American release in 2026.
Director Stephen Chow, 64, wrote and directed the movie—his first since 2019—and the film stars Zhang Xiaofei, Dilraba Dilmurat and Lay Zhang.

1 / 3