In a news report by The Epoch Times on May 27, 2025, Stephen Chow (Chow Sing-Chi), who hasn’t directed a film in years, has garnered much attention for his new film “She Shoots” (Shaolin Women’s Soccer) since it started shooting in March. There has been particular interest in the cast and the ranking of the actresses, with different versions circulating. It was reported that Mainland Chinese actress Zhang Xiaofei, originally considered the film’s female lead, had completed her individual shooting before the end of filming. On the other hand, Dilraba Dilmurat, who has been involved in the entire filming process since it began, is expected to finish her scenes in June and appears to be the true female lead.
During the filming of “She Shoots,” the production has been extremely secretive and low profile. It is rumored that the film was shot at a large sports stadium in Shenzhen, Guangdong, with a massive setup of tents, cranes, and trailers on site, indicating a high production value. There were initial rumors circulating at the start of filming that Zhang Yixing and Zhang Xiaofei would be the male and female leads, with Dilraba Dilmurat only in a supporting role. It is said that Zhang Xiaofei underwent extensive physical training to prepare for her role, even developing abs, and received direct instructions from Stephen Chow.
Because Zhang Xiaofei was seen wearing the number “10” on her soccer jersey during filming, the same number worn by Chow in his character from “Shaolin Soccer,” it further supported the speculation that she plays the “female lead.”
Recently, Zhang Xiaofei was spotted in Qingdao, Shandong, leading to speculation that “She Shoots” had finished filming within two months. However, it was later revealed that it was only Zhang Xiaofei’s personal scenes that had wrapped.
As for Dilraba Dilmurat, who was seen wearing the number “8” on her jersey, she has been actively involved in filming from start to finish and has gradually become the focal point of the production. There are rumors that she will wrap up filming on June 6, alongside comments from Chow’s longtime collaborator Cheng Qiweng suggesting that Dilraba Dilmurat’s role in the film is pivotal, indirectly confirming her central role. “She Shoots” is slated for release in 2025, and the true “female lead” will only be revealed after the movie is released.
Public information reveals that “She Shoots” tells the story of how the Emei Women’s Soccer team combines kung fu with soccer. Initially unbeatable, they face setbacks due to emotional conflicts among team members but regroup and eventually reclaim the championship, returning to the pinnacle of success. On Chow’s birthday in 2023, he teased the thick script for “She Shoots” on Instagram, announcing the start of production and revealing the five key criteria for casting. The post sparked widespread interest and attracted many high-profile applicants from various fields.