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Shirley Lau

A sequel to Shaolin Soccer  is being planned in an attempt to cash in on the success of the most profitable film in Hong Kong movie history.

The film's director and star, Stephen Chiau Sing-chi, said yesterday he was in talks with several film companies in the United States over plans for the sequel.

'Hopefully it is going to be a big film and can be distributed all over the world,' the award-winning comedian said after the opening of Filmart, an annual event organised by the Trade Development Council.

While the sequel will be packed with just as much action and digital effects as the original, Chiau said it would display more creativity and reach a wider global audience.

'The most important thing is always about ideas,' he said. 'In part one [Shaolin Soccer], there was something new that the audience had never seen.

'In the sequel, we will have to work harder to make it better.'

Shaolin Soccer,  which features an unusual mix of kung fu action and digital effects, tells the story of a group of former Shaolin monks who use their martial arts skills to form an invincible football team. It took a record $60 million at the Hong Kong box office and has since made its way to Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

The Japanese World Cup team, which won their group before being knocked out in the second round, reportedly watched the film before the tournament to put them in the mood for victory.

Chiau said he believed Hong Kong action movies stood out in the international film world, but called for more new ideas within the industry.

'I always say I hope the Government will give more support to the film industry,' he said. 'But what's more important is that film-makers themselves come up with new ideas. Otherwise no amount of support is going to work.'



Director lines up worldwide sequel for Shaolin Soccer