Actress Kou Shibasaki has been chosen to star in "Shaolin Girl," directed by Katsuyuki Motohiro and produced by Stephen Chow. The movie fits in the same mold as Chow's popular "Shaolin Soccer," a comedy action flick combining martial arts and sports. This time, the sport is lacrosse. (Earlier reports elsewhere have stated that the sport is ice hockey.)

A few years ago, Chow was considering a sequel to "Shaolin Soccer." He happened to meet Chihiro Kameyama, head of Fuji TV's motion picture department. The two hit it off, and they developed the idea for a movie set in Japan with a female lead. Shibasaki was eventually asked to take the part, and she enthusiastically agreed.

The story follows a girl named Rin (Shibasaki), who returns to Japan after 9 years of studying in China to be the successor of her grandfather's dojo. An unexpected incident leads to her involvement in a university lacrosse team.

The cast will feature actors from "Shaolin Soccer," including Lam Tze Chung and Tin Kai Man. Shooting begins later this month, and the theatrical release is scheduled for next year.