{"id":852375,"date":"2026-08-12T07:46:19","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T07:46:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/852375\/"},"modified":"2026-08-12T07:46:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T07:46:19","slug":"id-work-for-stephen-chow-for-free-why-kung-fu-soccer-stars-still-worship-hks-king-of-comedy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/852375\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018I\u2019d work for Stephen Chow for free\u2019: Why Kung Fu Soccer stars still worship HK\u2019s King of Comedy"},"content":{"rendered":"

HONG KONG \u2013 Stephen Chow steps into a packed cinema hall to deafening cheers. He waves shyly, as if unable to believe all the fanfare is for him.<\/p>\n

It is 4.30pm on Aug 8 at Emperor Cinemas Plus+ in The Wai shopping mall. The screaming crowd has just watched the Hong Kong comedic auteur\u2019s latest release Kung Fu Soccer,<\/a> which is showing in Singapore cinemas.<\/p>\n

They are staying for a special bonus: an appearance by Chow, 64, alongside cast members including Hong Kong screen royalty Carina Lau, 60, and popular Chinese actress Dilraba Dilmurat, 34.<\/p>\n

The director-actor struggles to speak above the clamour of his fans, ranging from young people to seniors, who continue to shout for his attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very happy to bring our Emei football team members, who have travelled from so many Chinese cities, all the way to Hong Kong today. Now, let\u2019s invite our striker to say her greetings,\u201d Chow says in Cantonese, passing the limelight to Dilmurat.<\/p>\n

The actress plays star striker Yulong in Kung Fu Soccer, which follows an underdog women\u2019s football team that integrate Emei martial arts into their game to win a championship.<\/p>\n

This scene is repeated at three other cinemas throughout the day, culminating in a gala premiere at 9.30pm.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, everyone. I\u2019m so happy to meet you here. Our dear Sister Carina has plenty to say to all of you today,\u201d Chow tells the crowd.<\/p>\n

The actress retorts: \u201cHey, earlier, we clearly agreed that you would do all the talking. Why are you passing it to me again? You finish speaking first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m done talking,\u201d he replies.<\/p>\n

She fires back: \u201cSay a bit more. The audience members only want to hear you talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

He responds: \u201cHow about this then? Our Dilraba is very eager to greet the audience. Dilraba, please go ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"(Front<\/p>\n

(Front row, third from right) Stephen Chow with his cast and fans at a Kung Fu Soccer screening in Hong Kong on Aug 8.<\/p>\n

PHOTO: ENCORE FILMS<\/p>\n

Though clearly humbled by the turnout, Chow looks somewhat uncomfortable in the spotlight. It is a surprising reaction for someone who launched his acting career back in 1980 and built his reputation on his signature brand of mo lei tau (Cantonese term for nonsensical) humour.<\/p>\n

He expanded his repertoire with the 1994 spy comedy From Beijing With Love, pivoting to screenwriting and directing alongside acting.<\/p>\n

In 2001, he directed and starred in Shaolin Soccer, a film that earned him international acclaim, a global profile further cemented by Kung Fu Hustle (2004).<\/p>\n

His final on-screen role came in CJ7 (2008), after which he transitioned fully to work behind the camera, achieving box-office success with comedies such as Journey To The West (2013) and The Mermaid (2016).<\/p>\n

Kung Fu Soccer is a spiritual successor to Shaolin Soccer, the story of a group of misfit monks who form a football team and use Shaolin martial arts skills to challenge a rival squad. Made on a budget of US$10 million, the movie went on to gross US$42.8 million worldwide and has since attained cult comedy status.<\/p>\n

Although Kung Fu Soccer opened in mainland Chinese cinemas on July 11 to mixed reviews \u2013 with some critics dismissing it as an uncreative rehash of Shaolin Soccer that relies on nostalgia \u2013 its box-office trajectory looks promising.<\/p>\n

With a production budget of US$52 million (S$67 million), Kung Fu Soccer topped the charts for multiple weeks and has reportedly accumulated US$326 million in the country so far.<\/p>\n

\"Film-maker<\/p>\n

Film-maker Stephen Chow introducing his movie Kung Fu Soccer in Hong Kong on Aug 8.<\/p>\n

PHOTO: ENCORE FILMS<\/p>\n

At the Hong Kong gala premiere, the ever-humble Chow apologises for keeping audiences waiting so long for his comeback film, which arrives 25 years after Shaolin Soccer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen it comes to brainstorming and creative work, we tend to take things a bit slower,\u201d he jokes, glancing at co-director and co-writer Lam Tze Chung.<\/p>\n

Catching Chow\u2019s eye, Lam chimes in: \u201cWe will try our best to be faster next time.\u201d<\/p>\n

A knack for discovering new talent\"(From<\/p>\n

(From left) Kung Fu Soccer co-director and co-writer Lam Tze Chung with cast members Angel Woo, Xue Ye, Sisley Choi and Louis Cheung at the Hong Kong gala premiere on Aug 8.<\/p>\n

PHOTO: ENCORE FILMS<\/p>\n

Lam, who turns 50 on Aug 16, was discovered by Chow and made his acting debut in Shaolin Soccer. He famously played a plus-size monk who could fly using qinggong. He has since become one of Chow\u2019s most frequent collaborators, both on- and off-screen.<\/p>\n

It has long been Chow\u2019s style to introduce fresh faces in his movies alongside veteran stars, and Kung Fu Soccer is no exception. Xue Ye, 19, and Angel Woo, 28, are two such rookies.<\/p>\n

Xue, born in China\u2019s Jilin province, was holidaying with her parents in Hong Kong a few years ago when a member of Chow\u2019s team invited her to a movie audition.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he was a scammer,\u201d she says in an interview with The Straits Times. \u201cI was like, \u2018How could something so good happen to me?\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Newcomer<\/p>\n

Newcomer Xue Ye was invited to audition for Kung Fu Soccer.<\/p>\n

PHOTO: ENCORE FILMS<\/p>\n

At the audition, she was nervous the whole time. She told Chow that she enjoyed dancing, prompting him to ask if she could do Latin dance. She could not.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I still performed a routine of what I thought Latin dance was. I don\u2019t know if he was satisfied, but anyway, he laughed.\u201d<\/p>\n

The teenager \u2013 whose real name is Li Xueminghui \u2013 was given her stage name by Chow, who habitually called her by her character\u2019s name Xue Ye until it stuck. In the film, she portrays a football rookie who, much like Lam in Shaolin Soccer, can leap through the air using qinggong.<\/p>\n

The other newcomer, Woo, is a professional wakesurfing athlete in Hong Kong \u2013 and Chow\u2019s former coach in the sport.<\/p>\n

\"Angel<\/p>\n

Angel Woo, who plays Sang Biao in Kung Fu Soccer, is Stephen Chow\u2019s former wakesurfing coach.<\/p>\n

PHOTO: ENCORE FILMS<\/p>\n

\u201cOne day, after a wakesurfing session, he asked me, \u2018Do you like to run?\u2019,\u201d she recalls. \u201cI was like, \u2018I don\u2019t really run, but I can try.\u2019 He then asked, \u2018Do you want to come and try casting for our new project? It\u2019s about football\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Woo remembers wearing flip-flops to the audition. One week later, Chow started addressing her by her character\u2019s name in the movie: Sang Biao, a player who channels the grief of a break-up to fuel her dynamic, powerful kicks on the pitch.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was dumbfounded, like, \u2018Why me?\u2019,\u201d she says in English. She spent her teenage years in Britain, studying at Concord College and the University of Bath, where she graduated with a degree in accounting and finance. However, wakesurfing, which she picked up in Hong Kong during the Covid-19 pandemic, became her calling.<\/p>\n

She intends to juggle her budding acting career \u2013 having recently filmed a Chinese comedy drama \u2013 with her sports commitments, and will compete in the World Wakesurf Championships in Hangzhou in October.<\/p>\n

Both newcomers describe Chow as a deeply caring mentor who, despite his legendary status, constantly encouraged them to share their thoughts on their roles and how they should play them.<\/p>\n

Working with the King of Comedy<\/p>\n

That stellar reputation and iconic directorial style are precisely what draw even award-winning artistes to his projects.<\/p>\n

Hong Kong actor-singer Louis Cheung, 46, tells ST that it felt like a dream to be cast in the movie, where he plays a referee.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo me, Chow, whether as an actor or a director, is a legend,\u201d says Cheung, who won Best Actor in 2023 at the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards for his performance in The Narrow Road (2022).<\/p>\n

Chow had made a surprise announcement on Instagram on his 61st birthday in 2023 that he was holding a global talent search for actresses for Kung Fu Soccer.<\/p>\n

Hong Kong actress Sisley Choi remembers her excitement upon hearing the news, and put together a video clip of herself fooling around with a football wherever she went.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t just me. I think all actors, and even non-actors, wanted to message him saying, \u2018Pick me\u2019,\u201d the 35-year-old says. \u201cI\u2019d work for him, even for free.\u201d<\/p>\n

When asked why she wanted the role so badly, Choi \u2013 who clinched Best Actress for her turn in Season 2 of Legal Mavericks (2017 to 2020) at the 2020 TVB Anniversary Awards \u2013 says: \u201cHe really is a legend to all of us. I\u2019ve watched his films since I was a child, and as an actress, I study his works to learn and grow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eager to experience his unique directorial style, she jumped at the chance to send her audition video.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven though I\u2019m usually not the type to put myself out there because I\u2019m afraid of rejection, I told myself: \u2018You have to be brave because opportunity waits for no one.\u2019 How many times in your life will you get an open casting call from Sing Yeh?\u201d she says, referring to Chow by the \u201cGrandmaster Sing\u201d fan nickname signifying his status as Hong Kong\u2019s King of Comedy.<\/p>\n

\"Award-winning<\/p>\n

Award-winning actress Sisley Choi plays a blind physiotherapist for the Emei football team in Kung Fu Soccer.<\/p>\n

PHOTO: ENCORE FILMS<\/p>\n

Filming took place over three months in Shenzhen for Choi. She plays a blind physiotherapist whose martial arts moves pay homage to Chow\u2019s lifelong idol, American-Hong Kong martial arts actor Bruce Lee.<\/p>\n

On her days off, rather than staying in her room, she returned to the set, observing how Chow rehearsed with the cast and crafted every scene and line.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think his formula is so successful because his films can be understood by anyone from three to 80 years old. But while they are easy to enjoy and make people happy, he still manages to convey much deeper themes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s so much to learn. I feel like I should pay him tuition fees,\u201d the former beauty queen says of Chow with a laugh.<\/p>\n

Cheung, who spent two days on set filming his part, adds: \u201cThis is a real masterclass. Seeing a legend handle every scene and the wisdom behind it… I\u2019d take this on, even if I wasn\u2019t paid.\u201d<\/p>\n

The reclusive master of Hong Kong cinema\"Striker<\/p>\n

Striker Yulong (played by Dilraba Dilmurat) in a scene from Kung Fu Soccer.<\/p>\n

PHOTO: ENCORE FILMS<\/p>\n

Dilmurat also considers Chow her idol, admitting she was a bundle of nerves when she received the call to join the film, with him on the line personally.<\/p>\n

The actress was catapulted to fame by her breakout role in the 2017 hit fantasy romance series Eternal Love, where she played a fox fairy.<\/p>\n

Chow quickly put the Xinjiang native at ease. Dilmurat says he has put on no airs since the day she met him on the training ground, when the cast underwent physical exercises and basic football drills.<\/p>\n

When filming began, Dilmurat found him to be a supportive scene partner.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe isn\u2019t a conventional director who sits behind the monitor with a walkie-talkie giving orders,\u201d she says. \u201cInstead, he immerses himself among us actors, performing alongside us and driving the atmosphere on set.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Long-time<\/p>\n

Long-time friends Stephen Chow and Carina Lau (second from right) reunite for Kung Fu Soccer.<\/p>\n

PHOTO: ENCORE FILMS<\/p>\n

Even Lau \u2013 the cinematic matriarch whose career longevity and commanding screen presence have made her an authoritative figure in Hong Kong film \u2013 has warm words for Chow.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver all these years, whether watching his works or collaborating with him, I have always greatly admired him. He is like a recluse living away from the worldly realm \u2013 you cannot judge or expect things from him using normal standards,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Lau draws a parallel between Chow and her husband, Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu Wai, whom she views as another \u201creclusive master\u201d. Chow and Leung have been friends since their teenage years, and both graduated from the 11th TVB artiste training class in 1982.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have found a very comfortable way to live. They don\u2019t interfere with others and they earnestly dedicate themselves to what they love,\u201d Lau adds. \u201cI feel very fortunate to know such high-level individuals.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chow and Lau last teamed up on-screen as husband and wife in the hit 1996 period comedy Forbidden City Cop, which he co-directed.<\/p>\n

\"Carina<\/p>\n

Carina Lau (centre) plays an Emei martial arts grandmaster and mentor to the women\u2019s football team in Kung Fu Soccer.<\/p>\n

PHOTO: ENCORE FILMS<\/p>\n

In Kung Fu Soccer, Chow cast Lau as an Emei grandmaster and mentor to the women\u2019s football team, giving her several mahjong scenes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told him it would be so funny if he made a cameo as my mahjong partner,\u201d she says, but Chow declined.<\/p>\n

Lau adds that while Chow does not play mahjong in real life, he enjoys snooker and appreciating fine wine.<\/p>\n

\u201cSince the box office is doing so well, he must treat me to drinks,\u201d she deadpans.<\/p>\n

Lau, who has known Chow since his days as an aspiring actor, quips that she has watched him grow into a man with a head of silver hair.<\/p>\n

Has she ever suggested he dye it? \u201cI did, but he won\u2019t,\u201d she says. \u201cHe is very true to himself. Unless it\u2019s for movie promotions, he doesn\u2019t even appear in the public eye.\u201d<\/p>\n

She says that while Chow may be older now, his spirit remains unchanged. \u201cLook at the movies he makes \u2013 kids watch them so happily. He has an inner child inside him, and that is what sparks such immense creativity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kung Fu Soccer is showing in Singapore cinemas.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"HONG KONG \u2013 Stephen Chow steps into a packed cinema hall to deafening cheers. He waves shyly, as…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":852376,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[64,63,134,344],"class_list":["post-852375","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-movies","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-entertainment","tag-movies"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/852375","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=852375"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/852375\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/852376"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=852375"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=852375"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=852375"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}