Stephen Chow Confirms New ‘Kung Fu Hustle’ Film is in the Works

After 15 long years, a follow-up to the epic martial arts film “Kung Fu Hustle” is finally in the works.

The surprise announcement came from writer and director Stephen Chow, who said he is currently working on the sequel to the beloved 2004 action comedy.

Chow made the announcement during an interview for his new film “The New King of Comedy,” reports MAActionCinema.

According to the 56-year-old filmmaker, he is pursuing the project as soon as he completes his sequel to “The Mermaid.” Released in 2016, “The Mermaid” was also a massive hit and is now ranked as the fourth highest-grossing film of all time in China.

Chow worked on the original “Kung Fu Hustle” in collaboration with Columbia Pictures Film Production Asia after the success of “Shaolin Soccer,” which came out in 2001.

Not only did Chow write, produce, and direct the film, but he also starred as the lead protagonist. Chow’s role was Sing, a martial artist wannabe in 1930s Shanghai who dreams of joining the notorious Axe Gang. The film also featured a number of famous 1970s Hong Kong action movie stars.

With a $20 million budget, the film grossed $102 million during its theatrical run and won high praise from critics as well as six Hong Kong Film Awards and five Golden Horse Awards.

The upcoming Kung Fu Hustle project will reportedly not be a direct sequel, but a “film that takes place during modern day” in the same continuity as the original movie. Chow noted that he plans on returning to direct and even reprise his role as Sing in a cameo.

While no official release date has been announced for the planned Kung Fu Hustle 2 yet, fans of the original are already excited for the upcoming film on social media.

Kung Fu Hustle 2 has just been confirmed so I’m gonna go watch the first one for the 30th time in celebration #woohoo #kungfuhustle2 pic.twitter.com/RIhQE6O2wN

— Liane (@lianemwatt) February 13, 2019

Oh yes, just seen Stephen Chow’s film #KungFuHustle2 is finally in the works. Here is trailer for 2005 original for the hell of it. https://t.co/DtfyPDlOID Might have to rewatch Shaolin Soccer too

—  WBA Baracus (@WBA_Baracus) February 13, 2019