Stephen Chow’s Legendary Masterpiece “Kung Fu Hustle” Returns After 21 Years, Set for October Release!

Widely regarded as the greatest masterpiece in Hong Kong comedy legend Stephen Chow’s filmography and the foundation of comic action itself, 〈Kung Fu Hustle〉 will return to theaters in October, 21 years after its original release, to meet audiences once again.

Stephen Chow, who directed and starred in 〈Kung Fu Hustle〉, is a leading figure in Hong Kong comedy. He is a director and actor with a strong following in South Korea, thanks to comedy masterpieces including 〈The King of Comedy〉 and 〈Shaolin Soccer〉. Widely considered the finest work of his career, 〈Kung Fu Hustle〉 combines traditional wuxia with Chow’s signature humor and a moving story that audiences everywhere can relate to. The masterpiece made more than $1 billion worldwide, making people around the globe laugh and cry. When it was released in South Korea in 2005, it drew 820,000 moviegoers and received an enthusiastic response. It continues to earn passionate support, with fans praising it as “the most addictive masterpiece” and “a classic you absolutely cannot let pass you by.” Celebrated by audiences worldwide as the foundation of the action-comedy genre, 〈Kung Fu Hustle〉 follows Sing (Stephen Chow), a timid street hustler who always backs down in the face of injustice. The story begins when he sets out to take over Pigsty Alley, hoping to join the Axe Gang, the criminal organization that controls the city. Yuen Woo-ping, a master of Hong Kong martial arts and the film’s action choreographer, delivers stylish wuxia sequences while also capturing both comedy and emotion through the story of Sing’s growth and redemption. More than 20 years later, fans still hail it as “a perfect masterpiece that delivers comedy, action and emotion,” raising expectations that its return will offer fresh fun to moviegoers discovering the film anew.

The two launch posters released with news of the re-release feature two iconic symbols from 〈Kung Fu Hustle〉. The first is the double-headed ax crossed in an X, the symbol of Sing’s goal and the Axe Gang’s final boss. The second is a lollipop representing the long-standing connection between Sing and Ah Fang. For longtime fans of 〈Kung Fu Hustle〉, the two icons evoke fond memories and nostalgia. For audiences seeing the film for the first time, they invite curiosity about how the symbols will appear in the story.

The greatest comic-action masterpiece in history, 〈Kung Fu Hustle〉, returns after 21 years and will hit theaters in October.