Callina Liang Talks Changes to Chun-Li’s Story in ‘Street Fighter’ as Star Hopes to Continue It
A different pledge to Bison
Liang told the Hollywood Reporter that an early script had Chun-Li cut off her pinky while marking herself with Shadaloo’s symbol to swear loyalty to Bison. Capcom went back and forth over the idea, which could also have complicated future films.
The report noted that digitally removing a finger can be costly and time-consuming. Liang said the change would also be “deforming” for the character and could not be undone in a sequel.
The scene they tested
The pinky-cutting moment was filmed for a camera test. Liang described the experience as “a lot,” and said director Kitao Sakurai wanted to see fear in Chun-Li’s eyes as she shook.
Liang said she mentally drew on pain to shape her physical performance. By contrast, she called the hand-branding scene “very fun” to perform.
Chun-Li’s unfinished revenge
Street Fighter ends with Chun-Li’s revenge against Bison still unresolved. Liang said she felt a little sad that the conflict did not reach a resolution in the film, and hopes the story can continue into its aftermath.
Liang recalled that Chun-Li’s scenes with Bison involved hating him while finding comfort in knowing her enemy and her mission. Chun-Li could have attacked him when he handed her a knife, Liang said, but did not; she wondered how the character would feel after finally killing Bison.
Key points
- An early version had Chun-Li cut off her pinky to pledge loyalty to Bison.
- The pinky scene was filmed for a camera test but did not make the final film.
- Liang called the hand-branding scene “very fun” to perform.
- Chun-Li’s revenge against Bison remains unresolved, and Liang hopes to explore its aftermath.