The film’s cast reads like a pop culture fever dream, blending Hollywood heavyweights, musicians, and wrestling stars. Callina Liang, fresh off her role in Steven Soderbergh’s Presence, will play Chun-Li, the Interpol officer and martial arts powerhouse, stepping into a role previously portrayed by Ming-Na Wen in 1994. Andrew Koji (Bullet Train) and Noah Centineo (The Recruit) take on the iconic rival duo Ryu and Ken, while Jason Momoa (Aquaman) tackles the electrifying creature Blanka. WWE superstar Roman Reigns joins as the demonic fighter Akuma, and country singer Orville Peck will portray the claw-wielding Vega. Comedian Andrew Schulz rounds out the ensemble as Dan Hibiki, the comically underpowered fighter known for his taunting antics.
This eclectic mix has sparked both excitement and skepticism. The inclusion of non-traditional actors like 50 Cent, Reigns, and Peck suggests a film aiming for broad appeal, but some worry it risks prioritizing flash over substance. The 1994 film, despite its cult status, was panned for similar reasons, though Raul Julia’s magnetic performance as M. Bison grounded its campy chaos. Fans are hopeful for a standout performance to elevate this reboot beyond meme-worthy nostalgia.
Navigating a Troubled Production Path
The Street Fighter reboot has faced its share of hurdles. Originally slated for a March 2026 release by Sony Pictures, the film was recently dropped from the studio’s schedule, leaving its distribution plans unclear. The project also lost its original directors, Danny and Michael Philippou (Talk to Me), before Sakurai stepped in. Despite these setbacks, Legendary Entertainment and Capcom remain committed, with production moving forward and a script by Captain America: Brave New World co-writer Dalan Musson.
The film’s narrative remains under wraps, but the Street Fighter series traditionally revolves around a global fighting tournament orchestrated by the villainous M. Bison, leader of the Shadaloo organization. With no actor yet announced for Bison, speculation abounds about who could fill the late Raul Julia’s shoes. The diverse cast suggests a story that leans into the franchise’s colorful characters, potentially balancing intense martial arts action with humor and spectacle.
Can Street Fighter Break the Video Game Movie Curse?
Video game adaptations have a checkered history, with the 1994 Street Fighter film and 2009’s Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li often cited as low points. Yet recent successes like The Last of Us and Sonic the Hedgehog prove the genre can deliver when it respects its source material while appealing to a broader audience. Capcom’s involvement offers hope that the film will stay true to the Street Fighter universe, which has sold over 50 million copies since its 1987 arcade debut and remains a cultural touchstone with Street Fighter 6 in 2023.
The casting choices, while unconventional, could be a strength if Sakurai harnesses their star power effectively. 50 Cent’s Balrog, for instance, brings a streetwise grit that aligns with the character’s backstory as a disgraced boxer tied to Shadaloo. Similarly, Momoa’s larger-than-life persona suits Blanka’s wild energy, while Koji and Centineo’s action credentials could ground the central rivalry. The wildcard is Schulz’s Dan Hibiki, whose comedic role might steal scenes or fall flat if mishandled.
A High-Stakes Bet on Nostalgia and Novelty
The Street Fighter reboot is a gamble, blending A-list talent with niche appeal in a bid to capture both gamers and casual moviegoers. Its success will hinge on balancing the game’s vibrant legacy with a fresh cinematic vision. For fans, the casting of 50 Cent and others signals a film unafraid to take risks, but it also raises the stakes for delivering a cohesive story. As production ramps up, all eyes are on whether this reboot can land a critical hit or end up as another knockout in the video game movie arena.
