Street Fighter's Chun-Li Actress Bulked Up Thighs for Role
Callina Liang, who plays Chun-Li in Legendary's upcoming Street Fighter film, revealed she increased her thigh size by 6.5 centimeters each through a strict diet and martial arts training. She consumed 12 eggs daily and practiced Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Wushu. Liang also studied every Street Fighter game to replicate Chun-Li's moves accurately.
The actress's preparation extended well beyond physical conditioning. She reportedly downloaded every iteration of the Street Fighter series onto a PlayStation 5, capturing slow-motion footage of Chun-Li's combat animations to study and replicate in her fight choreography. Her co-star David Dastmalchian, portraying M. Bison, took a similarly research-driven approach, examining historical dictators to inform his performance.
The film arrives as Legendary's second Capcom adaptation of 2026, following Zach Cregger's Resident Evil in September. Chun-Li's physical transformation reflects a broader trend in video game adaptations, where actors increasingly commit to embodying iconic characters with athletic precision and source-material fidelity.
This story could resonate with audiences who value authenticity in video game adaptations, potentially raising expectations for how faithfully actors embody beloved characters. The emphasis on rigorous training may also spotlight the physical demands placed on performers in action roles, prompting conversations about preparation standards in Hollywood. However, its broader societal impact remains modest, largely confined to entertainment discourse and fan communities rather than affecting wider cultural or social dynamics.