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Newcomer joins the cast as the iconic fighter in the long-awaited live-action reboot
In a major development for video game movie fans, it looks like Street Fighter has found its Chun-Li. According to a new report from Deadline, rising actress Callina Liang has been cast in the upcoming 2026 live-action adaptation of Street Fighter, taking on the role of one of the most iconic female fighters in gaming history.
Known for her breakout performances in the psychological thriller Presence and the critically acclaimed high school drama Bad Genius, Liang is set to portray Chun-Li as a “lead female role” in the upcoming adaptation. The new Street Fighter film is currently scheduled for release on March 20, 2026, and is being helmed by Kitao Sakurai, best known for his work on Netflix’s Bad Trip and The Eric André Show.
Chun-Li: A Legendary Legacy
Originally introduced in Street Fighter II in 1991, Chun-Li was the first female playable character in the franchise — and quickly became a fan-favorite thanks to her fast-paced kicks, powerful special moves, and strong sense of justice. Over the decades, she has remained one of Capcom’s most recognizable characters, appearing in nearly every iteration of the game, crossover titles, comics, anime, and previous film adaptations.
Casting Chun-Li is no small task. The character carries with her a legacy that demands a mix of charisma, martial arts skill, and emotional depth. Callina Liang’s casting suggests the production is aiming for a fresh take — rooted in dramatic acting chops but with room for the physical intensity the role requires.
Who is Callina Liang?
While Liang isn’t yet a household name, she’s been making steady waves in the film industry. She turned heads in the 2024 suspense film Presence, where she delivered a haunting performance as a young woman caught between the real world and a supernatural force. Her role in Bad Genius showcased her emotional range and onscreen presence, solidifying her as a star on the rise in both Asian and Western markets.
With Street Fighter, Liang could be on the verge of her breakout international moment. Stepping into Chun-Li’s shoes means joining an elite club of actresses who have previously taken on the role — most famously Ming-Na Wen in the 1994 Street Fighter movie, and Kristin Kreuk in the ill-fated 2009 Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li. Liang will likely be aiming to give Chun-Li the justice fans have been craving.
Kitao Sakurai Directing the Chaos
Behind the camera is Kitao Sakurai, whose signature mix of absurdist humor and boundary-pushing creativity makes him a wildcard pick — but possibly the exact kind of creative risk this franchise needs. Sakurai’s past work, including Bad Trip (a hidden-camera road trip comedy starring Eric André and Lil Rel Howery), showed his ability to blend action, comedy, and genuine character work.
Fans are curious to see how Sakurai will balance the over-the-top martial arts action Street Fighter is known for with the character-driven storytelling expected from modern adaptations. With Capcom reportedly closely involved in the production, there’s hope this movie will finally break the curse of poor video game movies that has long plagued the Street Fighter franchise.
A New Era for Street Fighter
The Street Fighter franchise has seen renewed success in recent years, with Street Fighter 6 receiving widespread acclaim for its return to form and diverse character lineup. A new movie in this climate — especially one that appears to be taking its casting and direction seriously — is an exciting prospect for long-time fans.
Plot details remain tightly under wraps, but the confirmation of Chun-Li as a lead character signals that the film may stay faithful to the franchise’s globe-trotting, tournament-style storytelling. Other key characters such as Ryu, Ken, Guile, and M. Bison have yet to be officially announced, but casting news is expected to ramp up as production gears up later this year.
Final Thoughts
Callina Liang’s casting as Chun-Li marks the first major reveal in what is shaping up to be a potentially exciting reboot for Street Fighter. With a fresh face in the lead female role and a director known for pushing boundaries, the 2026 adaptation might just be the franchise’s best shot at big-screen redemption.
Fans will be watching closely as more casting announcements and production updates roll out. One thing’s for certain — the fight is far from over, and Chun-Li is ready to lead the charge.
Stay tuned to Xero Degrees Gaming News for more updates as we track the progress of the 2026 Street Fighter film adaptation. 🎮
