China Box Office: ‘Kung Fu Soccer’ Scores Massive $73.6 Million Opening
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- Kung Fu Soccer earned RMB500.3 million ($73.6 million) in its first two days of release (July 10–12), topping the mainland China box office according to Artisan Gateway data.
- Stephen Chow returned as writer and director of the sports comedy genre with 'Kung Fu Soccer,' more than two decades after his earlier hit 'Shaolin Soccer.'
- Universal’s Minions & Monsters placed second with $8.1 million in its second weekend, bringing its total to $32.4 million in China.
- Light Chaser Animation’s Three Kingdoms: The Beginning debuted at third with $4.7 million over three days, reaching $6.4 million including previews, as the first in a planned trilogy.
- A24’s Backrooms remained in the top five with a cumulative $21.8 million after adding $3.2 million in its third weekend.
- Taopiaopiao’s Keep Real collected $3 million in its second weekend for a total of $18.5 million, starring Bai Jingting as a superhero navigating local social dynamics.
Why it matters: Mainland China’s weekend box office reached $101.2 million, but 2026 year-to-date revenue stands at $2.74 billion—down 38.6% from the same period in 2025—highlighting that even strong individual performances like 'Kung Fu Soccer' are operating in a significantly contracted market.
