Callina Liang Discusses Chun-Li Role While Playing Street Fighter
Callina Liang, who plays Chun-Li in the upcoming live-action Street Fighter movie, faced ScreenRant's Ash Crossan in the arcade game during a Going Method interview. Liang discussed her childhood love of the franchise, her physical transformation for the role, and the importance of representing hopeful young girls. The film's cast also includes Noah Centineo as Ken, Andrew Koji as Ryu, and David Dastmalchian as M. Bison.
Callina Liang portrays Chun-Li in the forthcoming live-action Street Fighter. During a Going Method interview, she played an arcade cabinet match against ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan. Liang recalled admiring Chun-Li as a child, noting the character was the first playable female fighter and Chinese. She said her younger self would be thrilled by the casting.
To prepare, Liang trained in Taekwondo, Wu-shu, and Muay Thai for two hours daily, plus weightlifting, after roughly two months between casting and filming. Her costume involved a bodysuit and clipped dress pieces. Director Kitao Sakurai showed her the Australia sets. The cast includes Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, and David Dastmalchian.
Liang’s casting and comments about representing hopeful young girls could resonate with younger viewers, especially girls seeking heroic female figures. Fans of Street Fighter may feel renewed interest in the franchise through the live-action adaptation and its game-inspired details. The film’s portrayal of a Chinese fighter in a major action role may also shape how some audiences view representation in entertainment, though its actual cultural impact will depend on the movie’s reception.