Callina Liang Shares Candid Chun-Li Set Photos Mid-Leap and Laughing
Callina Liang has been revealing the behind-the-scenes journey of making ‘Street Fighter‘ for months. From battle-worn costume images to training videos, the actress has provided fans with a continuous stream of content that highlights the dedication required to embody Chun-Li.
This approach has resonated well with fans. One of her earlier set photos garnered over 5.2 million views on X, and the film’s marketing has emphasized the cast’s full commitment to their roles. Now that ‘Street Fighter’ is in theaters, these images serve as a celebratory reflection of their hard work.
The latest collection of photos is arguably the most delightful. A new series of candid, film-grain-style behind-the-scenes shots captures Liang’s Chun-Li in two contrasting moods: one moment she is mid-leap against a bare concrete wall, and in another, she is laughing in a director’s chair. These images are spontaneous and unrefined, which is precisely why they are gaining traction.
Callina Liang for ‘STREET FIGHTER’ https://t.co/asoKl4xlKE
— Complex Pop Culture (@ComplexPop) October 21, 2026
In the first image, Liang leaps into the air wearing Chun-Li’s iconic blue qipao-style costume, her hair styled in the character’s signature buns, with a white sash billowing at her waist and white boots extended below. She strikes a playful pose with a hand raised near her face, and the grainy, candid quality gives it the feel of a snapshot taken in between takes.
The second image is even more revealing. Liang is seated in a director’s chair labeled with the name of the film’s cinematographer, Ken Seng, beaming widely as her costume shows signs of wear from the shoot. Her arms are marked with blood makeup, her knees are scraped, and her outfit is scuffed, but she is clearly enjoying herself.
This contrast is what makes the images so appealing. On screen, Chun-Li is a grounded, vengeance-driven fighter, and Liang has mentioned that she and director Kitao Sakurai worked to capture that essence. The photos reveal the person behind the performance, bruised, dirty, and laughing.
This aligns with the tone of her previous posts, which featured a shot of her lying on the floor surrounded by broken bricks and crew members, and another next to a trailer labeled “3. CHUN-LI,” accompanied by a straightforward comment about not having time for photoshopping. Fans have responded positively to this unpolished approach.
The scrapes in those photos are well-deserved. Liang trained for two hours daily in taekwondo, Muay Thai, and wushu, ramping up to four hours a day for six weeks prior to filming, while following a bulking diet that reportedly included twelve eggs a day. She also practiced Chun-Li’s moves in slow motion on a PlayStation 5 to master them.
The production itself was physically demanding. ‘Street Fighter’ was filmed in Sydney, where many sets, including M. Bison’s office, were built from scratch. Liang noted that her costume was the last to be completed on set. For the signature spinning bird kick, a former Cirque du Soleil performer assisted with harnesses and rigs.
PERFECT! Watch the New Trailer for Street Fighter, hitting theaters everywhere October 16. https://t.co/jAAPf1k9jf
— Street Fighter Movie (@Street_Fighter) September 1, 2026
These photos come at a crucial time as the movie seeks to establish its presence. ‘Street Fighter’ debuted at No. 1 with $31 million from 3,575 theaters and added $20.1 million internationally, bringing its total to $51.1 million worldwide. Reviews have been mixed, with praise directed at the cast, fight sequences, and stylish animated moments, while the script has faced criticism, earning a B- CinemaScore.
Despite this, Liang’s portrayal of Chun-Li has stood out as one of the film’s highlights. A cast that fully embraced their roles provides audiences with something to appreciate, even amidst divided opinions on the film itself, and the set photos have significantly contributed to that positive reception.
For an actress who gained recognition through ‘Tell Me Everything’, ‘Bad Genius’, and Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Presence’, the ‘Street Fighter’ campaign marks a significant advancement in her career. Fashion shoots, press tour appearances, and now these candid set snapshots have all contributed to crafting a public persona that blends fierceness with humor.
Regardless of whether the film achieves blockbuster status, these images reveal a performer who is relishing the experience. In a franchise that has often struggled to win over fans, that sense of joy is an invaluable asset.
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