"Kung Fu Soccer" Tops 2 Billion Yuan in China; Chow Confirms Tribute to Ng Man-tat

Stephen Chow's latest directorial effort, "Kung Fu Soccer," has achieved remarkable success at the Chinese box office, surpassing 2 billion yuan (approximately 9.6 billion New Taiwan Dollars). This impressive figure makes it the second-highest-grossing film in China for 2026, trailing only the comedy "Pegasus 3."

During recent promotional events, Chow was directly asked by fans about a specific detail in the film's closing scene. An empty seat appears during a "back view conversation" between characters, a detail that many viewers interpreted as a poignant tribute to Chow's long-time collaborator, the late actor Ng Man-tat. Ng Man-tat, who passed away from liver cancer in 2021, was a beloved figure and frequent co-star in Chow's iconic films.

Chow, visibly moved by the fan's question, confirmed the tribute. "Completely agree," he responded, validating the audience's interpretation. This confirmation brought a touching closure to the speculation, highlighting the enduring bond between Chow and Ng Man-tat, whose partnership produced numerous cinematic classics like "All for the Winner" and "Justice, My Foot!"

The on-screen gesture serves as a powerful reminder of their shared history and Ng Man-tat's significant impact on both Chow's career and the hearts of fans. Despite a period of reported estrangement before Ng's death, Chow had previously expressed his grief and paid his respects at the funeral, underscoring the deep respect and affection that remained between the two artists.

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Completely agree.