How "Street Fighter" Star Callina Liang Trained to Achieve Chun-Li's Iconic Physique

The actress' training involved building her signature muscular thighs and working a 4,000-calorie daily diet into her routine.

by Andi Brigino

Published on Oct 23, 2026

INSTAGRAM: @callina.liang

Chun-Li’s signature blue outfit and twin buns are instantly recognizable to fans of Street Fighter. But bringing the iconic martial artist to life on the big screen also meant recreating her famously muscular physique. For Callina Liang, who plays Chun-Li in Paramount’s live-action adaptation, that involved a dedicated training regimen and a diet of 4,000 calories a day.

READ:

Callina Liang on Her Street Fighter Fitness Routine

With Chun-Li’s longstanding legacy among generations of fans who grew up playing the games, the character comes with big shoes to fill. When Callina was confirmed for the role in September last year, she set out to embody the martial artist and pop culture icon through her training and diet.

Speaking to Project Big Screen about her daily 4,000-calorie intake, Callina admitted that eating so much could be a challenge, especially when she was already full. “I actually love eggs, funnily enough... I mean, it was fun, but the only times I didn't enjoy it was when I was like, ‘Right, I'm really full, but it's time for another meal.’ So sometimes, I'd just eat, like, half a tub of peanut butter,” she shared in the interview.

Callina approached her training and diet with specific goals in mind, adjusting her routine to accommodate the demands of the role and her own lifestyle.

She also made sure to tailor her training to Chun-Li, who is well known for her muscular thighs, which play a key role in her martial arts. Her efforts paid off, with Callina adding 6.5 centimeters to the circumference of her thighs and earning praise from co-star Noah Centineo for her work ethic.

Street Fighter is now showing in cinemas nationwide.