Callina Liang is stepping into some iconic boots. The rising star of Presence, Steven Soderbergh’s eerie supernatural thriller, has been cast as Chun-Li in Legendary’s live-action Street Fighter movie. This marks a major moment for Liang, who is quickly becoming a name to watch.
Chun-Li has long been one of the most recognized faces in gaming. First introduced in Street Fighter II back in 1991, she’s known for her unmatched speed, devastating kicks, and deep-rooted sense of justice as an Interpol officer. Bringing this character to life on the big screen requires both strength and presence—traits Liang has already shown in her recent roles.
The film, still under wraps in terms of plot, already boasts a fascinating and eclectic cast. Andrew Koji, Noah Centineo, Jason Momoa, Roman Reigns, and even country singer Orville Peck are all confirmed. Directing the project is Bad Trip’s Kitao Sakurai, known for his offbeat visual flair and unpredictable storytelling. It’s an unexpected but intriguing combination that suggests Street Fighter might take a creative leap beyond the typical game adaptation formula.
Legendary has been circling Street Fighter for a while, aiming to revive the franchise’s live-action legacy after several past attempts fell short. With over 55 million copies sold worldwide, the Street Fighter series has cemented itself as a cornerstone of gaming history. Fans have high expectations—and plenty of skepticism—but Liang’s casting adds some genuine promise to the project.
Liang’s role in Presence earned her serious attention. That film, distributed by Neon and praised for its unnerving tone and stripped-down mystery, premiered at Sundance and showcased her ability to lead with subtlety and strength. With prior appearances in Bad Genius and Foundation, she’s now positioned to bring something new to Chun-Li—balancing martial arts action with grounded emotion.
If Legendary nails the tone, this Street Fighter could finally break the curse of the genre and offer something that honors the legacy of the games while delivering a compelling standalone film.
Sources: Deadline
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