In July 11, the self-directed and self-produced film “Kung Fu Women’s Soccer” by Stephen Chow (Stephen Tse) has been released in mainland China and has already accumulated a box office revenue of 2.07 billion RMB, making it the runner-up in total box office revenue for Chinese films in 2026. Recently, the film crew held a roadshow in Zhuhai, Guangdong, attracting a large number of fans to come out and show their support. During the event, when fans asked about the post-credits scene and whether the empty seat was intentionally left for the late Ng Man Tat (Tat Gor), Stephen Chow’s response moved the entire audience.
Ng Man Tat passed away in 2021 at the age of 68 due to liver cancer. At the time, Stephen Chow personally appeared at the memorial service to bid farewell to his old friend, and the media captured him leaving silently, unable to conceal his heavy heart.
According to Hong Kong media reports, Stephen Chow and Ng Man Tat had a close collaboration during their time filming TVB dramas like “Hero from the Sky” and “He Comes from the Valley,” as well as when they ventured into the film industry. Where there was Stephen Chow, there was Ng Man Tat in the movies, and their chemistry was impeccable. Their collaborations in films like “God of Gamblers,” “Shaolin Soccer,” “A Chinese Odyssey,” and “Journey to the West” are all considered classics, with Ng Man Tat being hailed as Stephen Chow’s golden partner.
Despite Ng Man Tat’s disappearance from Stephen Chow’s films after completing “Shaolin Soccer” in 2001, rumors of their rift were once rampant. However, in his later years, Ng Man Tat revealed in an interview that he still hoped for an opportunity to collaborate with Stephen Chow. Stephen Chow also mentioned that he had approached Ng Man Tat for a collaboration during the filming of “The Mermaid” in 2016, but it fell through due to health issues, missing the chance for another collaboration.
After the release of “Kung Fu Women’s Soccer,” fans noticed a surprise post-credits scene, particularly a “conversation from behind” moment that sparked discussions. When Hong Kong actor Lam Suet moved towards Stephen Chow in the scene, a deliberate empty space was left. Many fans believe this was a tribute to the late golden partner Ng Man Tat in Stephen Chow’s heart.
During a recent roadshow in Zhuhai, a fan directly asked Stephen Chow, “Was that empty seat left for Tat Gor? Because I think Tat Gor is the most important person in our hearts and in your heart, so I believe that the film should pay tribute (to Ng Man Tat), that position is reserved for Tat Gor.”
In response, Stephen Chow spontaneously agreed, verbally confirming that the film conveyed his longing for his old partner through the movie. In “Shaolin Soccer,” Ng Man Tat’s portrayal of the coach, “Golden Leg,” Ming Fung, was the team’s soul, and this empty seat symbolizes that even though Tat Gor has passed away, in Stephen Chow’s return to the soccer theme in the film, the coach’s position still belongs to him.
Fans were moved by the sentiment, expressing that Stephen Chow, without any words, photos, or sentimental music, solely through a quiet empty seat, debunked the rumors of animosity with Tat Gor, showcasing the bond formed over 26 films. Additionally, Ng Man Tat’s son, Ng Wai Lun, portrayed a sideline referee in the film, fulfilling Tat Gor’s wish for another collaboration and displaying the deep friendship between Stephen Chow and Tat Gor.