Callina Liang Cast as Chun-Li in Upcoming Street Fighter Movie, Set for 2026 Release

Image: Callina Liang/ Chun-Li

The upcoming Street Fighter live-action film from Legendary Pictures has officially found its Chun-Li: 24-year-old actress Callina Liang is set to bring the iconic fighter to life on the big screen.

First announced in April 2023, the new Street Fighter adaptation has taken its time assembling the right creative team and cast.

Originally set to be helmed by Talk to Me directors Danny and Michael Philippou, the project shifted direction in 2024 when the duo exited due to scheduling conflicts. Eventually, Bad Trip and Twisted Metal director Kitao Sakurai stepped in to lead the film, which is scheduled for release on March 20, 2026.

Now, as per Deadline, the casting of Callina Liang marks a major step forward. Best known for her work in Foundation on Apple TV+, and psychological thrillers like Presence and Bad Genius, Liang brings both acting chops and international appeal. She began her career in 2022 with the British teen drama Tell Me Everything, and is also a fluent Mandarin speaker with a growing TikTok following.

In the Street Fighter universe, Chun-Li is a fan-favorite character known for her lightning-fast kicks and dedication to justice, having joined law enforcement to avenge her father’s death at the hands of the notorious villain M. Bison. She’s been a mainstay in gaming for decades and remains a pop culture icon, even appearing as a crossover skin in games like Fortnite.

While plot details for the film are still under wraps, previous casting rumors point to a star-studded ensemble. Actors like Andrew Koji (reportedly as Ryu), Noah Centineo (possibly Ken), and even names like Jason Momoa and Roman Reigns have been associated with the project at different points. However, official confirmations for these roles are still pending.

For now, it’s a promising start to a new cinematic round for one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. And with Street Fighter 6 recently hitting over 5 million units sold, it’s clear the brand is riding a strong wave of momentum.