Callina Liang Spotted in Tokyo Ahead of ‘Street Fighter’ Release Date

Tena Milakovic
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Sometimes, the most revealing insights into a rising star’s journey come from unexpected moments rather than red carpet events. This week, fans caught a glimpse of actress Callina Liang as new images surfaced online, showing her strolling through the streets of Tokyo. For an actress whose profile has surged over the past year, the timing of these photos seems far from coincidental.

Liang has recently become one of the most talked-about names in genre filmmaking, largely due to a single casting announcement that transformed her career overnight. What began as a breakout performance in a well-received indie thriller has now escalated into one of the year’s most eagerly awaited blockbuster roles.

That role is Chun-Li in Legendary’s long-anticipated live-action ‘Street Fighter’ reboot, a casting decision first reported by Deadline in mid-2025. Liang, previously recognized for her role in Steven Soderbergh’s supernatural thriller ‘Presence’ alongside Lucy Liu, has taken on the iconic character known for her skills as a martial artist and Interpol officer, first introduced in ‘Street Fighter II’ back in 1991.

The new ‘Street Fighter’ film marks the franchise’s return to live-action more than three decades after the 1994 film featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Ming-Na Wen, who was the first to portray Chun-Li on screen. Directed by Kitao Sakurai, this version is set in 1993 and follows Chun-Li as she enlists estranged fighters Ryu and Ken Masters for the World Warrior Tournament, only to become embroiled in a larger conspiracy. Liang stars alongside Andrew Koji as Ryu, Noah Centineo as Ken, and David Dastmalchian as M. Bison, with a diverse supporting cast that includes Jason Momoa, Cody Rhodes, and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson rounding out the roster of fighters.

Liang has been open about the physical challenges her role presented during production. She has mentioned consuming a dozen eggs daily while training and dedicating two hours each day to practicing Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Wushu to prepare for the role. By the end of filming, she noted that each of her thighs had increased by 6.5 centimeters. Additionally, she studied slow-motion footage of Chun-Li’s in-game movements to ensure the character’s fighting style was authentic rather than merely stylized for the camera.

That level of commitment has already begun to generate buzz. Just days before these new photos emerged, the film’s cast, including Liang, Momoa, Centineo, and Koji, attended a special screening event in Japan alongside director Kitao Sakurai and game director Takayuki Nakayama, celebrating the franchise’s roots in a country where ‘Street Fighter’ remains a cultural icon. To commemorate the occasion, the studio also released the first full-length, playable movie trailer, showcasing recreations of several iconic in-game fight moves.

Given the recent promotional activities in Japan, Liang’s sighting in Tokyo aligns perfectly with the film’s ongoing press momentum as it approaches release. With ‘Street Fighter’ set to hit theaters and IMAX screens on October 16, the timing suggests these candid appearances are likely part of a larger strategy to keep Chun-Li, and the actress portraying her, at the forefront of cultural conversations.

Between her physical transformation, the international promotional tour, and the growing fan anticipation, Liang’s journey to this role has undoubtedly been challenging. With just weeks remaining before ‘Street Fighter’ finally debuts in theaters, all indicators point to her Tokyo appearance being yet another significant moment in an increasingly high-profile lead-up.

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