The countdown to the release of the live-action Street Fighter movie has begun. Canadian-Chinese actress Callina Liang, who plays Chun-Li, is currently on an intensive promotional tour. Recently, she shared new promotional photos that quickly sparked discussion online.
To prepare for her role as Chun-Li, Callina Liang underwent a nearly grueling physical transformation. With only three months between casting confirmation and the start of filming, she trained two hours daily in Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and martial arts, complemented by extensive leg strength exercises. She consumed approximately 4,000 calories per day and was required to eat every two hours during her muscle-building phase, including consuming 12 eggs daily. As a result, her thigh circumference increased by 6.5 centimeters, achieving the muscular definition characteristic of Chun-Li's iconic kicks. She also downloaded various Street Fighter games onto her PS5, recorded all of Chun-Li's moves on her phone, and studied the rhythm of the "Hyakuretsukyaku" (Lightning Kick) frame by frame in slow motion.
The live-action Street Fighter movie is scheduled for simultaneous release in North America and many other regions worldwide on October 16, 2026. The story is set in 1993, where former comrades-in-arms Ryu and Ken are called back to the ring of the "World Warrior Tournament" following the appearance of the mysterious woman Chun-Li. Directed by Kitao Sakurai, the film boasts an impressive cast: Andrew Koji as Ryu, Noah Centineo as Ken, Callina Liang as Chun-Li, David Dastmalchian as the villain M. Bison, WWE superstar Roman Reigns as Akuma, Jason Momoa as Blanka, and 50 Cent as Balrog.
