“Kung Fu Soccer” Featurette Ignites Nostalgia
Directed by Stephen Chow, (周星馳) his latest masterpiece Kung Fu Soccer <功夫女足> premiered in Mainland China on July 11, 2026, and is set for a simultaneous release in Hong Kong and Macao on August 13.
Recently, the film’s crew released a special nostalgia featurette titled “Childhood Old Friends.” The clip gathers a star-studded lineup—including Zhang Xiaofei (張小斐), Dilraba Dilmurat (迪麗熱巴), Lay Zhang (張藝興), and Carina Lau (劉嘉玲)—who all transformed into avid Chow fans. Together, they shared how Stephen Chow’s movies profoundly impacted their growing-up years, taking audiences on a collective trip down memory lane.
Growing Up on Chow’s Films
In the featurette, main cast member Zhang Xiaofei admitted, “We literally grew up watching Director Stephen Chow’s movies.” Fellow leading lady Dilraba Dilmurat shared that she used to play Chow’s films “on repeat” as a child, noting that rewatching King of Comedy <喜劇之王> today still gives her fresh insights. Lay Zhang confessed that Chow’s movies planted a creative seed in his heart early on.
Actor Xu Juncong (許君聰) excitedly expressed that after over 20 years in the industry, collaborating with his childhood idol is truly a “dream come true.” Behind-the-scenes footage shows a white-haired Stephen Chow personally directing on set—personally guiding everything from the actors’ footwork and facial expressions to the rhythmic flow of their movements. His signature Mo Lei Tau (nonsensical comedy) style kept the set constantly filled with laughter.
Carina Lau Does Cameo
The featurette’s biggest surprise was a cameo by Carina Lau, who starred alongside Chow 30 years ago in Forbidden City Cop <大內密探零零發>. Reuniting after so many years, Lau joked, “I think apart from his hair being a bit whiter, everything else about him is exactly the same.” The two shared a warm photo together on set and even recreated the iconic line: “Are you hungry? I’ll cook a bowl of noodles for you.” Their touching interaction deeply moved long-time fans.
Dilraba Showcases “Lightweight Water-Skimming Kung Fu”
Co-director Lam Tze-chung (林子聰) noted that reinterpreting classic gags using modern filmmaking techniques creates exciting new sparks rather than feeling repetitive, “These aren’t just homages anymore—they’re upgrades!”
This “upgrade” is fully demonstrated through Dilraba’s performance. On the pitch, she executes the “Lightweight Water-Skimming” technique—the same signature move Lam Tze-chung performed in Shaolin Soccer <少林足球>. Because Dilraba achieves greater height and a much more fierce aura, the crew leveled up the move entirely, elevating it to the legendary “Flying Fairy” skill from Forbidden City Cop, with Lam Tze-chung giving high praise to her performance. “The student has surpassed the master. It’s completely different and on a whole new level this time.”
Watch “Kung Fu Soccer” Trailer:
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