Callina Liang Brings Chun-Li to Life in Legendarys Live-Action Street Fighter Movie
In a major development for the live-action adaptation of the iconic Street Fighter franchise, rising star Callina Liang has officially been cast as Chun-Li, the First Lady of Fighting Games, in Legendary Pictures' upcoming film. This is no longer just a rumor floating through development hell; fists are being thrown, the cast is getting bulked up, and the new Street Fighter film is set for a March 20, 2026 release date.
Chun-Li is a legend in gaming lore, a feminist icon, and a cosplayer's dream. Her portrayal in previous adaptations has been botched, but with Liang's casting, fans are hopeful that she will finally get the respect she deserves. Liang brings not only acting talent but also precision, power, and potential to the role, which is crucial for the Yuen Woo-ping-level fight sequences that fans have been craving since The Matrix and The Raid.
The film's roster is taking shape with Andrew Koji, Noah Centineo, Jason Momoa, Roman Reigns, and Orville Peck all rumored to be on board. Koji would be a foregone conclusion if he were to play Ryu or Fei Long's part due to his martial arts skillset and screen presence. Centineo could play Ken, with his blond ego and chiseled abs. Momoa could bring Sagat or T. Hawk energy, while Roman Reigns could play Zangief or E. Honda depending on whether he's grappling or slamming. Orville Peck is still up in the air, but if he's cast as Vega, fans will be screaming with excitement.
The film's trajectory has been filled with stun locks, but with Kitao Sakurai at the helm as director, there's hope for bringing Street Fighter's iconic arcade flair, high-speed aesthetic, and totally bananas storylines to life. Sakurai knows how to create the absurd, the over-the-top, and the bombastic, which could make him the perfect man for the job.
Capcom is not just licensing this out and raking in a stack of yen; they are actively developing the movie. With Street Fighter 6 tearing through the gaming world and crossing the threshold of 5 million units sold this month, it's clear that the brand is far from disappearing. The studio's insistence on the March 2026 release date means they're already well down in pre-production, scouting locations, stunt choreographers, and actual martial artists instead of stunt-doubled celebrities. We want raw, practical Hadoukens that actually look painful.
However, there are still some questions that remain unanswered: Who's playing M. Bison? (Giancarlo Esposito, please.) Will we have Cammy, Guile, Dhalsim, or Blanka? Is it going full tournament saga or the Shadaloo infiltration route? Will Chun-Li finally get a real arc and not just a revenge-based one? And above all, will the movie respect the lore and the absurdity? Will it nod to the heart-stopping, quarter-gobbling energy of Street Fighter II while bringing the mythos up to date for today's crowds?
With Callina Liang taking on the iconic role of Chun-Li and a talented
