Callina Liang Shines in Satin Shoot for ‘Behind The Blinds’ After ‘Street Fighter’

voice film logo squareArthur S. Poe
Calina Liang 1
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Callina Liang has dedicated much of the past year to showcasing her fighting skills. To embody the role of Chun-Li, the Canadian actress committed to a rigorous training regimen, initially working out for 2 hours a day in taekwondo, Muay Thai, and wushu. This intense training ramped up to 4 hours daily for 6 weeks before filming began.

Her dedication extended beyond physical training. Liang adhered to a high-calorie, high-protein diet that reportedly included 12 eggs daily. By the end of production, she had increased the size of her thighs by approximately 6.5 centimeters. This transformation helped her become one of the standout stars of ‘Street Fighter’, which premiered on October 16.

Now, the focus has shifted from the action-packed world of fighting to the editorial realm. Liang graces the cover of the latest issue of ‘Behind The Blinds’ magazine, featuring photography by Jason Renaud. The moody black and white shoot has quickly gained traction online, presenting a stark contrast to the battle-hardened Chun-Li that audiences have come to know.

The cover features Liang lounging against dark cushions in a satin slip dress, with her long dark hair cascading over her shoulders. Another image shifts the tone entirely, showcasing her hair in a loose, tousled updo as she gazes at the camera, draped in a dark oversized jacket over the same slip.

This soft, cinematic aesthetic is built on shadow, texture, and quiet confidence. Fans have applauded the editorial’s polished look, with many suggesting it highlights her true fashion potential. Throughout her press tour, Liang has embraced glamorous styles that starkly contrast with her gritty fighter persona, and this shoot epitomizes that evolution.

The contrast between her editorial work and behind-the-scenes images from the ‘Street Fighter’ set is striking. Those photos depict Liang in Chun-Li’s iconic blue qipao-style costume, complete with spiked wristbands and signature hair buns, showcasing a character marked by battle scars and bruising makeup. The simultaneous circulation of both images adds to the intrigue.

Liang’s rapid rise in the industry is noteworthy. At just 26, she first garnered attention for her leading role alongside Lucy Liu in Steven Soderbergh’s supernatural thriller ‘Presence’, which positioned her as a breakout star at Sundance. She has also appeared in the heist thriller ‘Bad Genius’ and the ITVX teen drama ‘Tell Me Everything’ before landing the role of Chun-Li.

The timing of this magazine cover is strategic. ‘Street Fighter’, directed by Kitao Sakurai and featuring Noah Centineo as Ken and Andrew Koji, topped the box office during its opening weekend, reportedly earning $51 million globally. However, some analysts are skeptical about its long-term success, predicting a second weekend revenue between $8 million and $13 million, compounded by competition from an A24 documentary.

Regardless, Liang has remained a focal point of the conversation. Securing a fashion-forward cover so soon after her breakout role indicates that she is being recognized as more than just an actress in a video game adaptation. Whether the film sustains its momentum or not, her portrayal of Chun-Li has already made a significant impact.

For an actress whose career has swiftly transitioned from indie thrillers to a major studio action lead, this magazine cover represents another milestone in her journey. It showcases her versatility, highlighting the same performer who spent weeks mastering spinning kicks now commanding a serene, intimate portrait.

If the response to this editorial is any indication, audiences are eager to see what she will tackle next, both in front of the camera and through the lens of fashion.

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