Callina Liang, the actress portraying Chun-Li in the upcoming "Street Fighter" movie, has shared the rigorous regimen she employed to embody the video game icon. Liang focused on significant leg strengthening and a drastic dietary overhaul, which resulted in her thighs increasing by six-and-a-half centimeters, approximately 2.5 inches, by the end of filming.

Chun-Li, often recognized as "the first lady of fighting games," first appeared in the 1991 "Street Fighter" sequel and has since become a pop culture fixture. The character is known for her distinctive attire, featuring a modified qipao that accentuates her muscular thighs, and for her kick-focused combat style.

Liang, 26, dedicated herself to her role by training in three martial arts for two hours daily. Her training included taekwondo, known for its emphasis on kicks and punches; Muay Thai, which incorporates strikes with hands, elbows, knees, and shins; and wushu, a modern Chinese martial art often associated with kung fu.

Her co-stars, including Noah Centineo, who plays Ken Masters, and Andrew Koji, who portrays Ryu, trained alongside Liang for six days a week over a six-week period. The dedication to physical preparation aligns with the character's martial arts prowess, with Liang noting that Chun-Li is primarily a kicker.

Beyond physical training, Liang significantly altered her diet. During her bulking phase, she consumed 12 eggs daily, eating every two hours, a demanding routine that she described as being "on the verge of throwing up." This dietary approach, rich in protein from eggs, is aimed at muscle repair and growth essential for athletic performance.

To further immerse herself in the character, Liang studied the "Street Fighter" franchise extensively. She downloaded every "Street Fighter" game and meticulously recorded Chun-Li's moves in slow motion to analyze her fighting techniques. The "Street Fighter" series, which debuted in 1987, is credited with popularizing the one-on-one fighting game genre, with subsequent titles including "Mortal Kombat" and "Tekken."

The film is scheduled for release on October 16.