Stephen Chow recently paid tribute to his late frequent collaborator, Ng Man Tat, in his new movie, “Kung Fu Soccer”.

The filmmaker indirectly confirmed the speculations recently during a promotional event in Zhuhai, Guangdong, after a fan asked about the post-credit scene from the movie.

In the scene, Stephen’s character Sing can be seen from the back, sitting in the bleachers with Sixth Brother, the character played by Lam Chi Chung. However, Lam then moved to his left, deliberately leaving an empty space next to Sing.

Many believed that gesture to be a tribute by Stephen to Ng, who played the role of Coach Fung in the original 2001 movie.

During the promotional event, a fan asked if the tribute rumour was true, to which Stephen responded with the question, “What do you think?”

The fan then responded, “Because I think Uncle Tat is the most important person in our hearts, and in your heart as well, so I think the end of the film is a tribute to him and that seat was reserved for Uncle Tat.”

To that, Stephen nodded and responded, “Completely agree.”

Ng Man Tat had worked on more than 20 movies with Stephen Chow throughout the pair’s careers. The two were supposed to reunite in 2016 through Stephen’s “The Mermaid,” 14 years after their last collaboration. However, the veteran actor had to decline the project due to his health condition, though he stated that he would love for them to work together again. Sadly, he passed away in 2021 amid his cancer battle.

(Photo Source: HK01, Mingpao)

Sisley Choi has recently admitted that she and Stephen Chow are in contact, after it was rumoured that the comedy auteur wants to sign her on to his company.

As reported on Mingpao, the former TVB actress, who plays a supporting role in the new movie, “Kung Fu Soccer,” laughed when asked about it during her recent appearance at the Hong Kong Animation & Comics Festival 2026.

“We’re still in talks. We’ll see whether he’s sincere. I know I certainly am,” she said.

For now, said Sisley, she is still managing her own career since leaving TVB.

When it was mentioned that she was dubbed the human generator for having to go out and charm potential clients herself, the actress said that it was just something that gossip columns are writing.

“They can write whatever they want. They can even say I can fly. Now that I’m handling my own work opportunities, it’s perfectly normal to talk to clients. There’s no need to fawn over them,” she said.

When asked if the reports upset her, the actress responded, “I will just focus on doing my best. People will have discerning eyes to see how I conduct myself.”

(Photo Source: Sisley Choi IG)

Show Lo has recently addressed allegations that he was one of the reasons why “The Mermaid 2” has delayed its release indefinitely.

The release of Stephen Chow’s “Kung Fu Soccer” recently has again brought back discussion on the topic of the comedy auteur’s film, “The Mermaid 2,” which is the sequel of his hit 2016 film that marked the debut of actress Lin Yun.

It was alleged that the movie was supposed to release in 2020, but that it was delayed due to the negative controversies surrounding its two actors, Kris Wu and Show Lo. It was alleged that scenes of the two together comprise approximately one-third of the entire film, leaving a significant amount of footage unusable.

According to mainland media reports, Stephen had to bring in a different actor to urgently join the crew for reshoots and readjust the story’s direction, rewriting the script 11 times. It was also reported that it led to the movie being shelved.

In response to the new rumours, Show, who played the role of Octopus in the original film, personally clarified on Facebook with a simple statement.

Sharing screenshots of reports about the rumour, he wrote, “Hear ye, hear ye! I did not act in ‘The Mermaid 2.’ Thank you for your concern, media friends.”

(Photo Source: Show Lo IG, WJ)

Stephen Chow has recently sung praises for one of the leads in his new movie, “Kung Fu Soccer”.

The comedy auteur, who appeared at the press conference of the film on 14 July alongside the stars of the movie, was asked about Dilraba Dilmurat’s performance, after it was reported that she gained 8kg in order to play her role in the movie.

To that, he said, “She actually had very little time to train because our filming schedule was quite fast. However, despite the limited time, she immediately performed and completed the task exceptionally well.”

Stressing that every performance from Dilraba was full of surprises, Stephen shared, “Many times I would ask if she could do another one – not because she did it badly – it was already very good, but because I felt that she would definitely have something even more special to offer.”

In a previous interview, Dilraba said that after accepting the role in “Kung Fu Soccer,” she immediately knew that it would be an important challenge in her acting career.

“I never thought that I would participate in a movie directed by Stephen Chow,” she added.

(Photo Source: SINA, China Press)

Always Stephen Chow’s biggest supporter, Cecilia Cheung recently revealed that she has booked private screenings for his new movie, “Kung Fu Soccer”.

On 6 July, the actress posted on Weibo about her 18 private screenings for the new movie, and wrote, “It’s a date! Nationwide release on July 11th, see you at our cinemas!”

Many took to the comment to commend Cecilia for her undying support for the filmmaker, with one saying, “Sincerity always touches the heart.”

It is noted that Cecilia herself has made a guest appearance in Stephen’s 2001 directorial effort, “Shaolin Soccer,” playing a footballer alongside Stephen’s other frequent collaborator, Karen Mok.

The actress is known to appreciate her friendship with Stephen, since the comedy auteur was the one who introduced her to the film industry through his movie, “King of Comedy” in 1999.

“Kung Fu Soccer” will be released on 11 July in China and in early August worldwide.

(Photo Source: Sin Chew, Wenweipo)

It has been revealed that Takeru Satoh will be making a special appearance in Stephen Chow’s new film, “Kung Fu Soccer” (also known as “Shaolin Women’s Soccer”).

On 6 July, the movie’s official Weibo account announced its trailer and cast list, and many noticed that Takeru has been credited as a special guest alongside Hong Kong’s Carina Lau.

Rumours have also circulated that he will play the coach of a Japanese national team, although his exact role has not yet been confirmed.

It is noted that netizens have earlier unearthed a photo of Takeru Satoh and Lay Zhang together, speculating that the two were filming the movie at the time. Now that the cast list has been released, the public is even more excited about their interactions in the film.

“Kung Fu Soccer” will be released in China on 11 July. It is scheduled for release in other regions in August.

Among the stars are Zhang Xiaofei, Dilraba Dilmurat, and Lay Zhang.

(Photo Source: Takeru Fan Account IG, SINA)

Stephen Chow recently celebrated his 64th birthday by announcing that his upcoming film, “Shaolin Women’s Soccer” will be released in July.

The news was shared by the comedy auteur on 22 June via a short video of him working on the post-production of the movie.

In the video, Stephen has his back to the camera, and when asked when the film will be released, he says, “I’m trying my best to make it to 10 July.” When asked what he would do if he couldn’t make it, Stephen replied, “Then 17 July!” If it can’t be released in either of those days, he says, “I’ll make it someday!”

Stephen also uploaded a hand-drawn “concept poster” to his Instagram story, maintaining his signature “nonsensical” style.

“Shaolin Women’s Soccer” stars Zhang Xiaofei, with supporting roles by Dilraba Dilmurat, Lay Zhang, Sisley Choi, former national women’s soccer players Zhao Lina and Li Jiayue, and a cameo appearance by South Korean actor Song Kang-ho as a referee.

The film tells the story of the grassroots women’s soccer team led by captain “Shuangshuang” (played by Zhang Xiaofei). Through a series of coincidences, they incorporate traditional kung fu techniques into their soccer training, transforming themselves from an underdog amateur team into a contender for the AFC Women’s Champions League. Their journey of resilience, teamwork and self-belief unfolds through Stephen Chow’s cinematic style of action, comedy and imagination.

The movie will be distributed by Singapore-based Encore Films.

Jackie Chan and Stephen Chow recently took to social media to express sadness over the passing of martial arts actor, Bruce Leung.

Jackie, who has worked with the actor on “Magnificent Bodyguards” and several other projects, took to Weibo on 18 January to share his sadness, writing, “Just returned to Beijing and was shocked to hear the news of Mr. Leung Siu-lung’s passing. For a moment, I couldn’t believe it…”

“In my memory, he was always a kung fu master who was proficient in many traditional martial arts, each with its own unique style. He applied his lifelong learning to film and television works, making him an excellent action director. As an actor, he created so many classic roles, deeply loved by audiences and admired by us colleagues. Brother Leung, it’s snowing in Beijing, the sky is overcast, I miss you…” he added.

Meanwhile, Stephen Chow, who worked with Bruce on “Kung Fu Hustle,” posted a photo of the actor on Instagram Story and wrote, “Forever remembering Mr. Leung Siu Lung.”

On the other hand, Tin Kai Man sang praises for the late actor, saying that he won over audiences with his own skills, demonstrating a spirit of self-discipline and a pursuit of perfection, worthy of emulation by younger generations.

“His most important legacy to Chinese action cinema was genuine kung fu,” he added.

(Photo Source: Stephen Chow IG, WJ)

Carina Lau has sparked both nostalgia and speculations, after she shared a photo online of her and comedy auteur, Stephen Chow.

On 18 June, the actress posted the image on Instagram of Stephen giving her a very friendly hug, writing, “Are you hungry? I’ll cook some noodles for you.”

Fans immediately caught on, sharing how much they missed Carina and Stephen’s performances in the 1996 film, “Forbidden City Cop”. It is noted that the line came from Carina’s character in the movie, Ling Ka Ting, who is the wife of Stephen’s Ling Ling Fat.

Even celebrities were excited in the comments, with Pakho Chau writing, “The most enjoyable scene” and Charlene Choi posting, “I love it so so much!!!”

Others also shared their favourite scenes from the movie in the comments.

At the same time, many noticed that Carina was wearing a shirt bearing the same logo that was on the wall behind them, which is the logo for Stephen Chow’s upcoming movie, “Women’s Soccer”.

Thus, the photo has now sparked speculation as to whether Carina has a cameo in the movie or that the two are planning to work together again soon.

It is noted that Carina is married to Tony Leung Chiu Wai, who is also Stephen’s best friend since before their showbiz days.

(Photo Source: Carina IG, Stephen IG, myVideo)

It was reported that Stephen Chow’s “Women’s Soccer” (previously reported as “Shaolin Women’s Soccer”) has officially wrapped production.

The film, which has been in production for the past few months, has now concluded with Dilraba Dilmurat finishing her final scene on 2 June. Other leading cast members, including Zhang Xiaofei and Lay Zhang had already wrapped their parts earlier.

Not much information has been revealed about the production, which has maintained strict confidentiality since it began in March, sparking widespread speculation about the casting order and lead roles.

This include the confusion regarding who the lead actress is. Earlier, it was reported that Zhang Xiaofei (“YOLO”) was selected to be the star of the film. However, fans began to speculate that it was Dilraba instead, due to the fact that she was filming until the last day of shoot.

The movie, which marks the return of Stephen Chow as director, follows the inspiring journey of China’s women’s football team, the Emei Squad, as they compete in the AFC Champions League. The movie is the follow up to 2001’s “Shaolin Soccer.”

(Photo Source: Daily View, Dilraba Weibo)