Hong Kong film-maker Stephen Chow has scored strong support from one of his former co-stars ahead of his upcoming film, Kung Fu Soccer, which is scheduled for release in July.

The film, said to be a spiritual successor to the 64-year-old director’s 2001 hit comedy Shaolin Soccer, is slated to premiere in China on July 11, and will hit Singapore cinemas on Aug 6.

The movie stars Chinese actress Zhang Xiaofei, pop idol Lay Zhang and actress Dilraba Dilmurat, with special appearances by Hong Kong actress Carina Lau and Japanese actor Takeru Satoh.

In a display of support, Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung – Chow’s protege and co-star in films such as King Of Comedy (1999) and Shaolin Soccer (2001) – has booked 18 screenings for his latest directorial project.

In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo displaying on July 6, the 46-year-old actress shared what appears to be screen grabs of bookings made for Kung Fu Soccer screenings and offered free tickets to her fans, with the caption: “It’s a deal. Nationwide release on July 11. See you at the cinemas.”

Her agency shared the post on Weibo a minute later, writing: “We’ve booked screenings in support of Stephen Chow’s film Kung Fu Soccer, which carries the spirit of Shaolin Soccer after 25 years.

“The passion for women’s football is reignited with gongfu as its backbon... Let’s hope it’s a huge box office success.”

Kung Fu Soccer, which follows the journey of a women’s football team making a miraculous comeback to win a championship, is said to be a spiritual successor to the hit comedy, Shaolin Soccer.

The 2001 cult classic, which grossed US$42.8 million (S$55.4 million) at the box office worldwide on a budget of US$10 million, tells the story of a group of misfit monks who use their martial art skills to form a football team against a thuggish rival team of champion players.

Cheung made her film debut in King Of...