Callina Liang Impresses on the ‘Street Fighter’ Press Tour as Chun-Li

Laura Bais
Callina Liang 8
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Taking on a character with over three decades of fan expectations is no small feat. Portraying her in a live-action movie adds even more pressure, especially considering the disappointment from two previous film adaptations. For Callina Liang, the solution has been to arrive fully prepared, both in front of the cameras and on the red carpet.

Liang stars as Chun-Li in Paramount and Legendary’s new ‘Street Fighter’, directed by Kitao Sakurai. The Canadian actress was relatively unknown to mainstream audiences when she was cast in June 2025, although she had garnered attention for Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Presence’. Her previous work includes ‘Tell Me Everything’ and the 2024 ‘Bad Genius’ remake.

As the film hits theaters, her press tour has become a story in itself. She has captivated audiences at every event, with her latest press photos showcasing her in a fitted black top and a blue cutout dress. These outfits serve as a striking contrast to the bruised, battle-worn version of Chun-Li that appears on screen.

Liang’s appearances have spanned various events. She graced the official red carpet and fan event in Mexico City on October 8, appeared at the ‘Street Fighter’ booth at ComplexCon, and attended a Los Angeles press event where she posed next to a full display of Chun-Li’s iconic blue costume. The film premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on October 12.

Red has been a recurring theme in her wardrobe, including a stunning red satin gown featured in balcony photos she shared during the press rounds. With trailers, arcade booths, fashion collaborations, and cast photocalls, the promotional campaign has been one of the busiest of the season, with Liang emerging as one of its most prominent faces.

Behind the glamour lies a rigorous preparation process. Liang has shared that she trained for two hours daily in Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and wushu, alongside additional leg strength training and a demanding bulking diet. She also downloaded the ‘Street Fighter’ games onto a PlayStation 5, recorded Chun-Li’s moves in slow motion, and studied the footage to replicate her movements in the fight choreography.

Her behind-the-scenes photos reveal the toll of her preparation. In one image, she is seen in the blue qipao-style costume with spiked wristbands and signature hair buns, her outfit torn and dirty, with bruising and blood makeup visible. For Chun-Li’s iconic spinning bird kick, a former Cirque du Soleil performer reportedly assisted with harnesses and rigs.

Liang leads a unique ensemble cast. The film, set in 1993, follows estranged fighters Ryu and Ken, portrayed by Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo, who are recruited by Chun-Li for the upcoming World Warrior Tournament. The cast also features Jason Momoa as Blanka, Roman Reigns as Akuma, Cody Rhodes as Guile, David Dastmalchian as M. Bison, and 50 Cent as Balrog.

Orville Peck, Andrew Schulz, Eric André, Vidyut Jammwal, and Olivier Richters complete the lineup. Initial fan reactions to the casting were mixed, but many viewers have since praised Liang’s portrayal of Chun-Li. She now joins Ming-Na Wen and Kristin Kreuk as one of the few actresses to bring the character to life on film.

The film itself has faced a rocky reception compared to its star. ‘Street Fighter’ debuted with a 28% score on Rotten Tomatoes from its first 25 reviews, although it has since improved to around 45%, with a 45 on Metacritic. Audience reactions have been more favorable, with an 81% audience score.

Screenshot 2026 10 17 at 09 51 42 Street Fighter 2026 Rotten Tomatoes

Critics have highlighted the anime-style flashbacks animated by Titmouse as the film’s standout moments, while some have noted that it strays from the tournament to juggle its large cast. The franchise has a challenging history in this regard, as the 1994 film holds a 20% rating and 2009’s ‘Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li’ has a mere 3%. Pre-release tracking suggested an opening between $22 million and $35 million, against a reported budget of $82 million.

For Liang, the mixed reviews have not diminished the spotlight on her. Her press tour has kept her at the forefront of discussions, with many fans joking they would watch the movie just for her portrayal of Chun-Li. This kind of positive sentiment is crucial for a franchise in need of momentum.

Whether the film becomes a cult classic or follows in the footsteps of its predecessors will depend on audience word of mouth. Regardless, Liang has made the most of her opportunity, balancing high fashion with the intensity of her role.

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