‘Street Fighter’ Star Callina Liang Discusses Intense Chun-Li Training Experience

Laura Bais
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Chun-Li is one of the most iconic video game heroes, debuting in ‘Street Fighter II’ in 1991 as the first playable female character in a mainstream fighting game. With a dedicated fanbase, expectations for her portrayal are incredibly high, and Callina Liang’s training for the role was certainly scrutinized.

Liang, a Canadian actress, has been a fan of Chun-Li since she was 12 years old. She aimed to honor the character’s significance to many fans, which required a deep dive into both the game and the physical demands of the role.

Before starting her rigorous training, Liang prepared thoroughly. In an interview with Empire, she revealed that she downloaded every version of ‘Street Fighter’ on her PlayStation 5 and recorded Chun-Li’s moves in slow motion to analyze her movements closely.

This method was essential for a role that emphasizes physicality. Liang also mentioned her two years of martial arts training in drama school, but she told ScreenRant that her entire approach to training and diet shifted dramatically for this film.

Liang’s training regimen was intense. She trained in Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and wushu for two hours daily, focusing on leg strength to embody Chun-Li’s powerful kicks. Her diet was equally demanding, consisting of 12 eggs a day while bulking and eating every two hours.

At times, she felt on the verge of throwing up, but she noted that the hard work paid off. By the end of filming, her thighs had increased by 6.5 centimeters, which is over two inches, a significant transformation for a character known for her strong legs.

Liang has also been mindful of the challenges of bringing an animated character to life. In a cover interview with Zero Nine Magazine, she emphasized the importance of balancing the character’s iconic look with realistic movement.

Her training schedule was rigorous, consisting of two hours in the morning and an hour in the afternoon, starting a month before pre-production and continuing throughout filming. She still trains at least twice a week, viewing it as a form of therapy.

Screenshot 2026 10 16 at 16 25 37 Street Fighter 2026 Rotten Tomatoes

Filming was physically demanding as well. Liang recounted sessions where she fought for up to five hours against stunt performers, delivering powerful kicks. Notably, the spinning back kick, Chun-Li’s signature move, was performed by stunt performer Megan, who trained for six months prior to pre-production.

This highlights the collaborative nature of action films, where Liang’s portrayal of the character is complemented by the expertise of stunt specialists for the more dangerous moves. It’s a teamwork effort that often goes unnoticed amidst the focus on diet and training.

The stakes are high for this adaptation, as the ‘Street Fighter’ franchise has faced challenges at the box office, with previous films like the 1994 version and 2009’s ‘Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li’ not performing well. With previous portrayals by Ming-Na Wen and Kristin Kreuk, Liang steps into a role with a complex legacy.

Directed by Kitao Sakurai, the new film premiered in theaters on October 16, 2026, featuring Noah Centineo as Ken, Andrew Koji as Ryu, Cody Rhodes as Guile, Jason Momoa as Blanka, and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog. Early reactions have been mixed, making the performances crucial to the film’s legacy.

For many fans, Liang’s commitment to the role is a bright spot in the project. Viewers have expressed admiration for her dedication, with some humorously commenting on her egg consumption while others respect her discipline. A gym video of her discussing her feelings post-casting has gained positive traction online.

Beyond her physical transformation, Liang has shared her thoughts on representation. She noted that Chun-Li was not only the first playable female fighter but also Chinese, making her a role model for Liang during her childhood.

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