Stephen Chow's 'Kung Fu Soccer' Box Office Soars Amid 'Mermaid 2' Release Mystery

Stephen Chow's latest directorial effort, "Kung Fu Soccer," is a box office hit in China, surpassing NT$4.3 billion and showing strong potential for continued success. This achievement stands in contrast to another of Chow's projects, "The Mermaid 2," which has been completed for eight years but has yet to be released.

The prolonged delay of "The Mermaid 2" has fueled speculation. Chinese netizens have suggested that the film's hold-up is due to its alleged casting of Kris Wu and Show Lo. However, Show Lo has publicly refuted these claims, stating that he never acted in the movie.

"The Mermaid 2" was reportedly finished in 2018 with an initial release planned for 2020. Rumors have circulated about various reasons for its absence from theaters, including suggestions that Chow refused to use AI for face-swapping and instead cast actor Allen Ai, with significant script revisions. Reports indicate the script underwent 11 drafts, shifting from an environmental theme to space sci-fi, though these remain unconfirmed.

Director Wong Jing noted that theories for the delay are numerous, with popular ones citing unsatisfactory special effects or insufficient star power from Allen Ai, leading to distributor hesitancy. The true reason for "The Mermaid 2's" delayed release remains a mystery in the film industry. Despite the uncertainties, "The Mermaid 2" received its distribution permit in March of this year, and lead actress Lin Yun has expressed her eagerness for its eventual release.

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Report report, I personally have not acted in "The Mermaid 2" oh.