Updated: Sep 9, 2026 6:13pm UTC<\/p>\n
Bringing a legendary video game character to life requires more than just acting chops; it demands a total physical metamorphosis. For the upcoming Street Fighter<\/em> film from Legendary, Callina Liang\u2019s commitment to embodying Chun-Li reached such an extreme level that it inadvertently created a unique challenge for the production\u2019s stunt team.<\/p>\n During a recent press event, director Kitao Sakurai shared a behind-the-scenes story that highlights the sheer intensity of Liang\u2019s preparation. To capture the essence of the character\u2019s famous “thunder thighs,” Liang engaged in a grueling fitness regimen that resulted in her legs increasing in circumference by 6.5 centimeters. This level of muscle growth is significant, often requiring months of dedicated hypertrophy training and strict nutritional discipline.<\/p>\n The results of Liang\u2019s training were so pronounced that they actually outpaced the natural physique of her stunt double. In a twist of irony, the stunt performer-who is typically tasked with handling the most demanding physical feats-had to resort to wearing prosthetic butt pads to maintain visual continuity with Liang\u2019s newly sculpted glutes.<\/p>\n Sakurai recounted the moment he realized the extent of the transformation on set: \u201cI knew it was serious when we were filming a scene later in the movie, and I saw Callina\u2019s stunt double, and I was like, \u2018What are you wearing?\u2019 And there were like these butt pads that she had to wear just to match Callina\u2019s physique.\u201d<\/p>\n The dedication to the film\u2019s aesthetic wasn’t limited to the lead actress. Noah Centineo, cast as the iconic Ken Masters, jokingly noted that the cast leaned into the intense fitness culture of the production. \u201cYeah, and then we had to wear them out of solidarity, too,\u201d Centineo quipped, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere of the discussion.<\/p>\n Liang herself reflected on the experience with a laugh, noting, \u201cWe all had huge legs.\u201d This level of physical dedication underscores the production’s desire to honor the source material, ensuring that the characters look as formidable on the big screen as they do in the classic fighting game franchise.<\/p>\nWhen Stunt Doubles Need Extra Padding<\/h2>\n
A Cast-Wide Commitment to Fitness<\/h2>\n