Callina Liang’s Intense Transformation for Chun-Li in ‘Street Fighter’
Video game adaptations hinge on how well their stars can embody beloved characters, and few roles attract as much scrutiny as Chun-Li. Known as the “First Lady of Fighting Games,” she stands out as one of Capcom’s most iconic figures, making any live-action portrayal a daunting challenge from the outset.
That challenge fell to Callina Liang when she was cast in Legendary’s live-action ‘Street Fighter’ reboot in June 2025. Following her breakout roles in Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Presence’ and J.C. Lee’s ‘Bad Genius,’ this marked her debut in action filmmaking, a genre that demands a completely different physicality than her previous work.
To rise to the occasion, Liang underwent a rigorous physical transformation, focusing on mastering Chun-Li’s kick-heavy fighting style. She trained for about two hours daily in Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Wushu, aiming to capture the speed and precision that characterize the character’s combat in the games.
Liang’s training extended beyond the gym, leading to a significant dietary overhaul. She shared with Empire, “When I was bulking, I ate 12 eggs a day. Every two hours I had to have a meal, and I was on the verge of throwing up. But it worked. By the end of the shoot, my thighs had grown six-and-a-half centimeters each.”
Liang also immersed herself in understanding Chun-Li on a deeper level. She downloaded every version of ‘Street Fighter’ available and meticulously analyzed slow-motion footage of Chun-Li’s moves, dissecting the character’s techniques frame by frame to grasp how the kicks and combat animations were crafted.
This dedication appears to be a common thread among the film’s cast, with reports indicating that her co-stars underwent similarly intense training for their respective roles. Given the high expectations surrounding this franchise adaptation, this collective commitment to authenticity seems to be a strategic choice by the production team.
Liang’s transformation has already begun to generate buzz online, with set photos revealing her fully embodying Chun-Li, complete with the character’s iconic ox-horn hair buns, spiked wrist cuffs, and blue outfit. Some images depict her costume visibly torn and scuffed, with her arms marked from staged fight scenes, highlighting the physical toll of the shoot.
Fans have reacted positively to how closely her appearance aligns with Chun-Li’s classic design, a refreshing change from previous live-action adaptations that deviated from the original character aesthetics. This focus on visual fidelity seems to stem directly from the extensive preparation Liang undertook before filming commenced.
PERFECT! Watch the New Trailer for Street Fighter, hitting theaters everywhere October 16. pic.twitter.com/jAAPf1k9jf
— Street Fighter Movie (@Street_Fighter) September 1, 2026
Directed by Kitao Sakurai, ‘Street Fighter’ is set in 1993, following Chun-Li as she seeks out estranged fighters Ryu and Ken Masters for the World Warrior Tournament, a competition that ultimately entangles them in a larger conspiracy. Andrew Koji portrays Ryu, while Noah Centineo takes on Ken, with David Dastmalchian as the villainous M. Bison.
The film’s cast extends beyond the main trio, featuring Jason Momoa as Blanka, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog, Cody Rhodes as Guile, and Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa’i as Akuma, contributing to one of the most diverse casts in recent video game adaptations.
‘Street Fighter’ is set to premiere in theaters and IMAX on October 16, providing fans with an opportunity to see if Liang’s months of preparation yield the performance that the source material demands. With such dedication already evident in her transformation, expectations for her portrayal of the character continue to rise.
For a franchise that has faced challenges in transitioning to live action, this level of commitment from its lead offers genuine hope for longtime fans of the series.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments.