Just days before the worldwide premiere of Street Fighter, actress Callina Liang wanted to send a direct message to fans of the Capcom video game. During the premiere held at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Hollywood, the actress who plays Chun-Li made it clear that the film was not built solely around the spectacle of the fights, but with those who have been following this saga for years specifically in mind.
The release comes at a key moment for the franchise, which seeks with this adaptation to regain the trust of an audience that for decades has seen failed attempts to bring its characters to the big screen. Liang's statements join a promotional campaign that has constantly insisted on the idea of fidelity to the original video games.
A film loaded with nods for video game fans
According to Liang, the film includes numerous details designed for fans to recognize direct references to the games. The actress explained that there are so many easter eggs because, in her own words, the team made this movie specifically with the franchise's followers in mind.
The actress also described the result as a lighthearted and exaggerated production, in which excitement, humor, and a retro aesthetic marked by lighting and colors coexist. Liang even stated that she had not seen a film with these characteristics in a long time, in clear reference to the particular tone the creative team sought.
An adaptation that is not afraid to embrace its own identity
This philosophy coincides with what was expressed in previous months by director Kitao Sakurai, who has defended on several occasions the importance of preserving the personality of the video games without turning it into something overly solemn. The Street Fighter franchise has combined impossible moves, extravagant villains, and large-sized fighters with plots of rivalry, discipline, and revenge since its inception, a balance that the new film tries to respect.
Part of that search for fidelity will even be reflected in the way the characters' pasts are narrated. The story of Ryu and Ken, played by Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo respectively, will be shown partially through traditional hand-drawn animation sequences, deliberately recovering the aesthetic of the nineties. The film is set in 1993, a time when Street Fighter II dominated the arcades.
Chun-Li, a key piece in the start of the story
The plot begins with Ryu and Ken estranged after having shared years of training together. The appearance of Chun-Li will be precisely the trigger that drags them back into combat and the World Warrior tournament.
The character is initially presented as a new member of the Shadaloo organization, led by M. Bison. However, her true intention is to get close to the man she holds responsible for her father's death. As Liang explained, beneath that desire for revenge exists a relevant emotional contradiction: Chun-Li has dedicated so much time to that goal that she fears she will not know what to do with her life if she finally manages to face Bison.
This approach seeks to move the character away from being reduced to her most recognizable iconography, giving her greater narrative weight within the film's universe, something that its previous 2009 film adaptation did not fully achieve.
The physical preparation behind the character
Liang has acknowledged that she regularly played Street Fighter in both arcades and on PlayStation, always choosing Chun-Li, whom she admired for being the first playable woman in the major fighting titles. When asked if she knew the franchise before auditioning, she claimed she would have given anything to get the role.
The physical preparation for filming was considerably demanding. Although the actress had previous experience in martial arts, training went from two or three days a week to five or six days a week, including approximately two hours a day focused specifically on practicing kicks, which are fundamental to reproducing Chun-Li's fighting style.
Specialist work based on real disciplines
Production notes detail that the fight choreographies were designed by studying real disciplines associated with each character. For Ryu, references from karate and judo were used, while for Chun-Li, elements of wushu, tai chi, and kung fu were incorporated.
Especially complex moves, such as the Spinning Bird Kick, required the work of specialists and harness systems capable of keeping the performers suspended for longer than a normal physical movement would allow.
Director Kitao Sakurai has also mentioned the possibility of continuing the story in future installments if the public's response is positive, although for the moment the main goal is to convince a fan base that has been waiting a long time for an adaptation capable of understanding why this saga remains relevant almost four decades after its creation.
Street Fighter will hit Spanish theaters on October 16, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who plays Chun-Li in the new Street Fighter movie?
Actress Callina Liang is in charge of bringing Chun-Li to life in this new film adaptation.
When does Street Fighter premiere in Spanish theaters?
The film will arrive in theaters in Spain on October 16, 2026.
What year is the film set in?
The story takes place in 1993, a time when Street Fighter II was a phenomenon in arcades.
Which actors play Ryu and Ken in this adaptation?
Andrew Koji plays Ryu, while Noah Centineo plays Ken Masters.
Does the film include direct references to the original video game?
Yes, according to Callina Liang, the film is full of nods and details designed specifically for fans of the franchise.
What combat disciplines were used to choreograph the fights?
The team of specialists combined real techniques such as karate, judo, wushu, tai chi, and kung fu with the characteristic moves of the video game.
