Legendary’s upcoming live-action Street Fighter movie has officially found its Chun-Li in rising star Callina Liang. The actress, recently seen in Steven Soderbergh’s supernatural thriller Presence, has landed the pivotal role of the skilled martial artist and Interpol agent, one of the most iconic characters in the entire Capcom video game franchise.
The Next Evolution of a Legend
Chun-Li first exploded onto the scene in Street Fighter II in 1991 and has been a fan-favorite ever since, known for her powerful fighting style and unwavering sense of justice. Liang’s casting brings a fresh face to a role previously played by Ming-Na Wen in the 1994 live-action film and Kristin Kreuk in the 2009 solo movie.
While plot details for the new film remain under wraps, the addition of Liang as Chun-Li hints at the central importance of her character in the new story. Director Kitao Sakurai (Bad Trip, Twisted Metal) is helming the project, promising a fresh take on the beloved fighting game universe.
Liang joins a cast that’s already loaded with talent. Previously announced actors include Andrew Koji (Warrior, Bullet Train), Noah Centineo (Warfare, The Recruit), Jason Momoa (Aquaman, Dune), Roman Reigns (WWE superstar), and even musician Orville Peck. While specific character assignments for these actors haven’t been officially revealed, the ensemble alone suggests a blockbuster approach to the material.
Read more: ‘Street Fighter’ Film: Jason Momoa and Andrew Koji Among Actors in Talks
Liang herself has been building an impressive resume, with credits including the J.C. Lee thriller Bad Genius and a recurring role on Apple TV+’s Foundation. Her breakout performance in Soderbergh’s Presence, which premiered at Sundance, showcased her range and intensity.
The Franchise’s Enduring Power
The Street Fighter franchise, launched in 1987, has sold over 55 million units worldwide, solidifying its place as one of the most well-known and highest-grossing video game franchises of all time. Legendary Pictures is no stranger to adapting popular gaming IPs, having previously brought Warcraft, Pokémon Detective Pikachu, and the recent box office hit A Minecraft Movie to the big screen.
The journey to this new Street Fighter film has seen its own share of behind-the-scenes battles, including an earlier attachment of Talk to Me directors Danny and Michael Philippou, who later exited due to scheduling. However, Legendary has remained committed to its vision, setting a March 20, 2026, release date. As more cast members join the fight, anticipation for Chun-Li’s big screen return, now with Callina Liang, is certainly heating up.
