Callina Liang, the actress portraying Chun-Li in Legendary's forthcoming Street Fighter movie, has detailed the rigorous physical regimen and strict dietary changes she implemented to embody the "First Lady of Fighting Games." Liang focused on growing her character's signature powerful legs, a defining physical trait that has evolved through various iterations of the Street Fighter franchise.
To achieve the desired physique, Liang engaged in daily two-hour training sessions that incorporated Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Wushu. Her diet was drastically altered, featuring a high-protein intake that included consuming 12 eggs daily. This intensive approach, which brought her close to nausea, resulted in a significant increase in her thigh measurements. "By the end of the shoot, my thighs had grown six-and-a-half centimeters each," Liang revealed in an interview with Empire Magazine.
Beyond the physical preparation, Liang also immersed herself in the game's lore. She acquired every Street Fighter game on PlayStation 5 and meticulously recorded Chun-Li's fight sequences in slow motion using her phone. This allowed her to study and replicate the character's moves as accurately as possible for the film's action sequences.
Meanwhile, David Dastmalchian, who is set to play the villain M. Bison, shared his approach to the character. Dastmalchian conducted extensive research into historical dictators and cult leaders to develop a portrayal that moves beyond conventional villain archetypes, aiming to understand the dynamics of inspiring extreme loyalty in followers.
Legendary's Street Fighter film is scheduled for theatrical release on October 16, 2026. This marks the second Capcom property to receive a cinematic adaptation this year, following the release of Zach Cregger's Resident Evil on September 18.