Up-and-coming actress Callina Liang has landed the iconic role of Chun-Li in Legendary Entertainment’s new live-action “Street Fighter” film. The news, which broke late Monday, marks a significant casting announcement for the highly anticipated video game adaptation.
Liang, who recently gained attention for her role in Steven Soderbergh’s supernatural thriller “Presence,” will step into the shoes of one of the most recognizable female characters in video game history. Chun-Li, the powerful and principled Interpol officer known for her lightning-fast kicks, has been a cornerstone of the “Street Fighter” franchise since her debut in “Street Fighter II” in 1991.
This casting choice suggests a direction that balances fresh talent with the established lore of the games. While Liang is a relative newcomer, her recent performances in “Presence” and the ITVX teen drama “Tell Me Everything” have been well-received.
The “Street Fighter” movie is being directed by Kitao Sakurai, known for his work on “The Eric Andre Show” and the action-comedy “Bad Trip.” The project was previously under the direction of “Talk to Me” filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou, who departed due to scheduling conflicts.
While details of the plot remain under wraps, the addition of Liang to the cast has generated considerable excitement among fans. Previous reports have indicated that other major roles are being filled, though Legendary has yet to make official announcements regarding the full cast.
This will be the latest attempt to bring the beloved fighting game series to the big screen, following the 1994 film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and the 2009 spin-off “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li.” With a new director at the helm and a rising star in a key role, fans are eager to see what this new iteration will bring to the legacy of the World Warriors. The film was previously slated for a March 2026 release, but has since been removed from the schedule, with a new date yet to be announced.
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