The Street Fighter movie is officially in production and already shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable video game adaptations ever attempted. With its eclectic cast spanning wrestlers, comedians, musicians, and Hollywood stars, the project is sparking both curiosity and debate. Slated for release in October 2026, the film looks set to either defy expectations or become another infamous entry in the long list of uneven game-to-screen efforts.
Posters Reveal a Bold Direction
The first wave of official posters arrived courtesy of rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who confirmed his casting as Balrog, the powerhouse boxer of the series. While Jackson is best known for his music, his acting credits in Power and other projects make him less of an outsider than some might think.
The posters themselves are designed like the iconic Street Fighter II character select screen — a nostalgic throwback that instantly resonates with fans of the franchise. It’s a clever marketing move, but it also underscores just how unusual this cast list is. For some, it feels like a bold, playful statement; for others, it borders on surreal. Either way, it has succeeded in grabbing attention.
An Unlikely Mix of Talent
Few video game adaptations have ever assembled such an eclectic roster. WWE superstars Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes are stepping into two of the most recognisable roles in the franchise: Akuma and Guile. Both are larger-than-life personalities in professional wrestling, and their imposing physiques certainly fit the characters. But the question lingers: can they carry those personas in a cinematic environment where dialogue and nuance matter as much as raw presence?
Comedy fans will immediately spot Eric André, whose unhinged style on The Eric André Show has earned him cult status. He’ll portray Don Sauvage, a deep cut from Street Fighter lore whose theatrical nature seems perfectly aligned with André’s brand of chaos.
Meanwhile, Jason Momoa — already no stranger to playing physical and eccentric characters in Aquaman and Game of Thrones — has been cast as Blanka. The green-skinned Brazilian fighter has always been one of the series’ strangest characters, and Momoa’s blend of physicality and humour could make the role surprisingly effective.
One of the more inspired choices is Orville Peck, the masked country musician, as Vega. Known for never appearing without his trademark fringe mask, Peck’s mysterious persona dovetails naturally with Vega’s mix of beauty, vanity, and menace. And in what might be one of the film’s most self-aware casting decisions, comedian and podcaster Andrew Schulz will play Dan — Street Fighter’s notorious parody character.
Balancing the Wild with the Grounded
Not all casting leans into left-field spectacle. Andrew Koji (Warrior) as Ryu grounds the film with martial arts credibility. Koji is a skilled martial artist whose work has drawn praise for both physical precision and emotional depth, making him an ideal fit for Street Fighter’s most central protagonist.
Callina Liang steps into the role of Chun-Li, one of gaming’s most iconic female characters. Her casting brings much-needed balance to a lineup that otherwise risks feeling like a stunt-driven ensemble. Meanwhile, David Dastmalchian — who has impressed in The Suicide Squad and Oppenheimer — takes on M. Bison, the franchise’s primary villain. With his ability to play unsettling, layered antagonists, Dastmalchian is a choice that could elevate the entire project.
The result is a cast that swings wildly between inspired brilliance and unexpected risk-taking. It’s this duality that makes the film so hard to predict.
Cast and Characters
- Andrew Koji as Ryu – The wandering martial artist and heart of the franchise, embodying discipline and humility. Koji’s martial arts pedigree makes him a strong choice to ground the film.
- Callina Liang as Chun-Li – Interpol officer and one of gaming’s first female icons, famed for her lightning kicks. Liang adds balance and presence to the ensemble.
- David Dastmalchian as M. Bison – The psychopathic dictator powered by Psycho Energy. Dastmalchian’s track record with unsettling villains should give Bison both menace and depth.
- Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog – A disgraced boxer turned enforcer, more muscle than finesse. Jackson’s physicality and screen presence bring a surprising fit to the role.
- Roman Reigns as Akuma – A dark martial artist consumed by power. Reigns has the physique and aura, but this role will test his acting range.
- Cody Rhodes as Guile – The all-American soldier, loyal and stoic, known for his iconic sonic boom. Rhodes’ charisma will be key to making Guile resonate.
- Jason Momoa as Blanka – The green-skinned mutant with electric powers, equal parts tragic and bizarre. Momoa’s blend of humour and physical intensity could make this work.
- Orville Peck as Vega – The narcissistic Spanish cage fighter, masked and clawed, famed for his lethal elegance. Peck’s real-life mystique makes this a clever piece of casting.
- Eric André as Don Sauvage – A flamboyant, theatrical villain from the extended Street Fighter lore. André’s chaotic energy seems tailor-made for the part.
- Andrew Schulz as Dan – The parody fighter, a satirical underdog who embodies comic relief. Schulz’s background in comedy makes him a natural fit.
This spread of personalities requires actors who can balance spectacle with sincerity. Whether this group can pull it off will define the film’s success.
Directed by Kitao Sakurai
Behind the camera is Kitao Sakurai, best known for directing Bad Trip and producing The Eric André Show. His comedy background suggests the adaptation won’t shy away from absurdity. While some fans may hope for a gritty, martial arts–driven film, Sakurai’s involvement hints that Street Fighter will lean into camp, colour, and chaotic humour — all of which fit the franchise’s over-the-top DNA.
This raises an important question: will the movie aim for faithful martial arts spectacle, or embrace its sillier side in pursuit of mainstream entertainment?
Street Fighter in the Modern Adaptation Era
The project also sits at an interesting crossroads for video game movies. In recent years, films like Sonic the Hedgehog and Detective Pikachu have been box-office hits, while HBO’s The Last of Us set a new bar for storytelling fidelity. On the other hand, Mortal Kombat’s reboot divided fans, highlighting the risks of juggling nostalgia and modern expectations.
Street Fighter itself carries baggage. The 1994 movie starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Raul Julia became a cult classic for all the wrong reasons, while 2009’s Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li was widely panned. This new adaptation faces the daunting task of breaking that cycle.
Posters, Marketing, and Fan Culture
The decision to echo the arcade’s character select screen in promotional material is more than nostalgia bait. It speaks to Street Fighter’s enduring place in pop culture. The franchise has always thrived on crossover appeal, with players from around the world picking their favourite fighter and debating match-ups. By framing the cast this way, the studio is inviting fans to do the same: to speculate, critique, and share.
It also cleverly broadens the film’s reach. With wrestlers, comedians, and musicians involved, audiences beyond core gamers may feel compelled to check it out. The casting may look chaotic on paper, but it could be an intentional strategy to draw as many demographics as possible.
Release Date
Street Fighter will hit theatres worldwide on October 16, 2026. With its unpredictable cast and a director known for high-energy comedy, this adaptation promises to be unlike anything fans have seen before. Whether it lands as a cult triumph or a spectacular misfire, one thing is certain: the world will be watching.
