HONG KONG, June 23 — Stephen Chow is finally preparing to make his long-awaited return to the big screen.

The Hong Kong filmmaker has revealed that he is aiming to release Kung Fu Soccer in July, potentially ending a seven-year gap between theatrical features and marking his first cinema outing since The New King of Comedy debuted in 2019.

Chow, who turned 64 yesterday, teased the film’s release plans in a light-hearted 13-second video shared on social media.

“When will it be released?” an off-camera voice asks.

“I’m working hard to make it by July 10,” Chow replies.

When pressed on what happens if he misses that date, Chow jokes: “Then it’ll be July 17.”

Asked what happens if that deadline also slips, the filmmaker laughs: “Well, we’ll make it one day.”

The playful exchange came with a hand-drawn concept poster bearing the words: “Kung Fu Soccer. July 10? July 17?”, suggesting post-production is entering its final stretch after more than a year of work.

The project has been one of Chow’s most closely watched in years. Filming began in March 2025 and wrapped that June, initially fuelling expectations of a Chinese New Year 2026 release.

But Chow later indicated the film would arrive later in the year, with yesterday’s announcement providing the clearest indication yet that audiences may not have much longer to wait.

Written and directed by Chow, Kung Fu Soccer serves as a spiritual successor to his beloved 2001 comedy Shaolin Soccer, although this time the story centres on a women’s football team mounting an unlikely run to a championship.

The cast is led by Chinese actress Zhang Xiaofei alongside singer-actor Lay Zhang and actress Dilraba Dilmurat. Former China goalkeeper Zhao Lina and defender Li Jiayue also make appearances, while acclaimed South Korean actor Song Kang-ho is expected to feature in a cameo as a referee.

The film represents Chow’s return to the director’s chair for a theatrical feature after The New King of Comedy, a remake of his 1999 hit King of Comedy.

Across three decades, Chow has established himself as one of Hong Kong cinema’s defining comedy auteurs with box-office hits including Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu Hustle, CJ7 and The Mermaid.

He also served as executive producer on Netflix’s animated feature The Monkey King in 2023.