Chun-li not Chinese?

[TETSUOrocks]

   Not to be a nitpick but is the actress playing Chun-li actually chinese? I was somewhat half expecting her to be played by an chinese actress but I don't get the impression by the lady playing her. I sorta had the impression you guys where trying to cast the characters to seem authentic to the origonal characters. Hope I'm not being too politically correct.

[Zangief]

Ana Parsons, the actress who plays Chun Li, was born in California but is of Asian/Pacific Islander descent although I don't know the geographical specifics. I go back to work with her on more episodes near the end of September so I'll ask about her actual heritage. Now that she's cast as one of the most famous video game icons from Hong Kong, you can rest assured that she'll be asked almost relentlessly about it.

Your interest or concern about this is perfectly valid as there are many who are dismayed that Chun Li, in the forthcoming feature film from Hyde Park Entertainment, is to be played by Jessica Biel. The argument has been that there is no shortage of fully qualified and capable Chinese actresses yet Hollywood has missed this opportunity once again. Unfortunately, the focus seems to be on only A-list actors and actresses and, should there be no A-listers fitting the bill, they think they have no choice but to cast as closely as they can from within those ranks in order to give "name strength" to the property and, thereby, justify the budget for investors.

I almost shudder to ponder who might be playing Zangief, LOL!

For my money, though, I do think that Ana bears a strong resemblance to her character.

[vegafabiolacerda]

jessica biel as chun li!?
no sir i dont like it...
looks like im gonna have to take matters into my own hands...*puts on mask and claw*
ms. biel..watchout!!

[Zangief]

Uh-oh! Sounds like an encore performance of that scene from the second feature film! Just try not to get knocked through a wall this time.

[vegafabiolacerda]

i was having an off day that night....

[chunli]

HEY
Chun Li here - Zangief thanks for the back up . I am definately more Chinese than JESSICA BIEL.
Actually to be more specific I am Chinese/Filipino/American. So I am a mix. But still more than JESSICA BIEL!! SPREAD THE WORD!!! 

[Zangief]

Hey, Ana!

So glad you've joined us! Thanks for weighing in on this. I can only imagine what you must be thinking about all the forums and websites talking about your portrayal of Chun Li. I think your debut on the series is terrific and I'm looking forward to working with you again this fall. Your best scenes are definitely yet to come!

And, hey, don't sweat it! I should be taking the heat for not being Russian at all. At least Andrew Bryniarski is of actual Russian descent, although born in Philadelphia.

Certain actors in this series have definitely been under the most tremendous scrutiny by Street Fighter II fans even before they were cast. Just about all of us wanted especially to know:

Who's playing Blanka (and what will a modern day Blanka look like)?

Who's playing Guile?

And the heat was on from the beginning concerning Chun Li. Many thought she'd be an old lady. That one amused me since she'd still be quite young today, having only been born in March, 1968 (and I thought MY math was bad, LOL). A great many others hoped she'd be a crack whore by now (I'm serious)!

Glad it all turned out the way it did.

I should point out also, gang, that Ms. Parsons is every bit as delightful and lovable in person as her legendary character.

Chun Li rocks!

[Dhalsim]

People are pretty sensitive I guess to ethnic casting but don't realize she's clearly, well what would the term be, "Eurasian" which means she has Asian blood as well as Caucasian. I doubt she was cast because she looked "whiter" than other Asian actresses and would supposedly have more appeal (Sam is better than that, if it was a Television network well then it would be highly suspect, seriously. And last I heard, a beautiful woman is just a hottie period) but she's damn good in the role and has the athletic experience too that was needed for the part.

I think what's interesting is doing a web series for the first time (for me at least) people can very quickly comment and you as the actor can see the posts, which is really educational to see how people react to the film and your work in it. Flattering and even Shocking at times, LOL but at least it's honest!

So I digress, yes Ana (Chun Li) qualifies as Asian, and she deserves the part (as you can see from the posts all over the planet).

[Zangief]

I'm right on the same page with you, Sean! Ana absolutely IS Chun-Li for me.

[Chun Li]

thank you
I mean do I have to fight - for my right - to be aaaaaaaaaaa ssssiiiii-----aaaaannnn?
XO
chun li

[vegafabiolacerda]

beastie boys reference

[Zangief]

LOL!

[Keeku]

I think Ana fits the role of Chun Li perfectly~

In a lot of official artwork, Chun Li looks mixed or white, and in others, a little more Chinese. Even though her profile says Hong Kong (I'm sure?!), I don't think there is any definitive way to say how Chun Li's face should look, beyond saying Eurasian.



But we all know of course, the thing that really makes chun li is the legs
hohoho /perverted laugh

l

[vegafabiolacerda]

Gotta love those legs man...

[Zangief]

ZANGIEF: Ees nice gorl end Zengief ees heppy to be beck een reeng veeth hor.

MIKE: Sorry, gang; "hor" is just Z's Russian way of saying "her" (just watching your back, Zangief).