Actress Callina Liang has opened up about playing Chun-Li in the latest Street Fighter movie, revealing how fan skepticism motivated her physical transformation and discussing two notable moments that did not make it into the final cut. The actress, who has long admired the iconic video game character, said she understood why some fans initially questioned her casting and used their comments as motivation to prepare for the demanding role.
In a recent interview, Liang also shared behind-the-scenes details about a scene in which Chun-Li was originally supposed to cut off one of her fingers and another confrontation with Noah Centineo's Ken Masters that involved an actual slap. Her revelations offer a closer look at the creative decisions behind the adaptation and the effort involved in bringing the legendary fighter to the screen.
Callina Liang Used Fan Skepticism As Motivation
When Liang was cast as Chun-Li, she was aware that fans had strong expectations for the character. Known for her powerful legs, distinctive fighting style and athletic physique, Chun-Li is one of the most recognisable female figures in video game history.
Liang admitted that she understood some of the concerns surrounding her casting, particularly regarding her physical appearance at the beginning of production. Rather than taking the comments personally, she treated them as motivation to improve and prove that she could embody the beloved fighter.
The actress underwent an intensive physical transformation, focusing particularly on building strength in her legs to reflect Chun-Li's powerful kicks. She had approximately two months to prepare before filming and continued weightlifting and stunt training even after production began.
Liang explained that the process was demanding because she had to learn fight choreography while maintaining her physical training and managing the expectations of longtime fans. Her physique continued to develop throughout the shoot, reflecting the effort she put into the role. As a fan of the games herself, Liang wanted to respect the character's legacy while bringing her own interpretation to the screen.
Chun-Li Was Originally Supposed To Cut Off A Finger
One of Liang's biggest revelations concerned a scene in which Chun-Li proves her loyalty to M. Bison by accepting the Shadaloo symbol branded onto her hand. The final version shows the character enduring the branding as part of her undercover mission to infiltrate Bison's organisation and avenge her father's murder. However, the scene was originally written very differently.
According to Liang, an earlier version of the script required Chun-Li to cut off one of her fingers. The creative team and Capcom, the company behind the Street Fighter franchise, discussed the idea before deciding that branding her hand would be a better alternative. The change also avoided permanently altering the character's appearance in a way that could create complications for future instalments. Losing a finger would have affected Chun-Li's physical continuity if the story continued into sequels.
Liang recalled that director Kitao Sakurai encouraged her to convey intense emotion while testing the scene, asking her to show the character's fear and physical distress through her eyes and expressions. Although the final scene did not require an actual injury, the actress said she tried to channel the imagined pain into her performance.
Also read: Klara and the Sun Review: Jenna Ortega Shines in Sci-Fi
The Street Fighter Movie Cut A Real Slap Between Chun-Li And Ken
Another scene that failed to make the final cut involved Chun-Li confronting Ken Masters, played by Noah Centineo. In the sequence, Chun-Li attempts to convince Ken that the fighting tournament is a cover for a plan to steal Ryu's power. During their chemistry read, Liang suggested making the confrontation more physical. With Centineo's agreement, she grabbed him by the collar and slapped him while delivering her character's warning. The moment impressed the filmmakers, and they later filmed several takes involving an actual slap rather than a simulated impact. Centineo allowed Liang to slap him during the scene, but the sequence ultimately did not appear in the released version.
Liang described the experience as enjoyable, explaining that the physical approach gave the confrontation additional intensity. Its removal demonstrates how scenes that work during rehearsals or filming can still be excluded during the editing process. The actress also praised her working relationship with Centineo, describing the atmosphere on set as lively and playful. Their ability to experiment with different approaches helped them develop the dynamic between Chun-Li and Ken.
Callina Liang Hopes Chun-Li’s Story Continues In A Sequel
Liang also discussed her character's central mission: bringing down M. Bison, played by David Dastmalchian. Chun-Li's desire to avenge her father's death drives much of her storyline, making the prospect of confronting Bison a major emotional turning point. The actress admitted she felt some disappointment that Chun-Li did not complete her mission in the film. However, she suggested that the decision could leave room for the character's story to develop further in a potential sequel. Liang is particularly interested in exploring what would happen to Chun-Li after achieving the goal that has defined her life.
Without her long-standing pursuit of Bison, the character would have to confront questions about her identity and future. The film also features several references to earlier Street Fighter adaptations. Liang praised Dastmalchian's delivery of the famous “Tuesday” line, a tribute to Raul Julia's portrayal of M. Bison in the 1994 live-action film. She also revealed that the production included a humorous visual reference to Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie, which she considers a favourite among the franchise's adaptations.
Final Take
Callina Liang's revelations show how much preparation and creative discussion went into bringing Chun-Li to life in Street Fighter. From using fan skepticism as motivation to revealing the discarded finger-cutting storyline and the unscripted-feeling slap scene, the actress has offered insight into the film's development. While Chun-Li's conflict with M. Bison remains unresolved, Liang hopes a potential sequel could explore what comes next for the iconic fighter.
Also read: Fjord Review: Strong Performances Drive a Family Drama