When Jean-Claude Van Damme, Raúl Juliá, Kylie Minogue, and Ming-Na Wen starred in the 1994 campy cult blockbuster, fans waited for decades for a new live-action Street Fighter movie. Finally, a new movie is in the works after more than two years of development.
The first Legendary movie to be released under the company’s new distribution agreement with Paramount is Street Fighter. It’s directed by Kitao Sakurai of Bad Trip and started production in Australia.
Here’s the new logline:
“Set in 1993, estranged Street Fighters Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo) are thrown back into combat when the mysterious Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament: a brutal clash of fists, fate, and fury. But behind this battle royale lies a deadly conspiracy that forces them to face off against each other and the demons of their past. And if they don’t, it’s GAME OVER!”
Here’s the official retro-style casting announcement on Instagram
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The beloved Capcom video game franchise will serve as the inspiration for the third live-action feature film. In 1994, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Raúl Julia starred in the first Street Fighter film. 2009 saw the release of Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, a much-maligned reboot that killed Kristen Kreuk’s movie career. Over the years, a number of Street Fighter TV shows and internet shorts have been created.
The Street Fighter fighting game series, which debuted in 1987, features fierce one-on-one fights between a variety of martial artists. M. Bison, the head of the malevolent group Shadaloo, frequently organizes a worldwide fighting competition at the heart of the games. Since its release, the game has sold over 55 million copies worldwide.
Read on to find out the actors and their roles; stay tuned for more actor confirmations.
The first sneak peek was released, and you can watch it below:
1. Jason Momoa as Blanka
Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa is an American actor known for his roles in Baywatch: Hawaii, Stargate Atlantis, and Game of Thrones. He has also played Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe, starting with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Duncan Idaho in Dune, Fast X, and A Minecraft Movie.
Blanka, also known as Jimmy, is a feral Brazilian jungle man from Street Fighter II, known for his green skin, orange hair, and the ability to generate electricity. While some fans express skepticism about how well such a high-profile star can embody the unique and green-skinned Blanka, others are optimistic due to Momoa’s proven ability to bring energy and charisma to physically demanding roles. Plus, he has a luscious head of hair.
2. Noah Centineo as Ken Masters
Noah Gregory Centineo has been in a bunch of Disney Channel movies and shows, but he’s best known for playing Jesus Adams Foster in The Fosters (2013), for which he was nominated for a Teen Choice Award. actor known for his roles in Austin & Ally, To All the Boys, and The Perfect Date. He played the superhero Atomsmasher in Black Adam (2022).
Ken Masters is the second biggest role of the Street Fighter series, first appearing in the original Street Fighter game. Just like his longtime best friend and rival Ryu, Ken’s goal is to test his power against many different fighters and strives to become stronger, but holds more restraint due to not wanting to jeopardize his family life. While Ken is known for his fiery fighting style and confident personality, Centineo’s energy, growing action experience, and commitment suggest he will capture the character’s charm and fighting spirit.
3. Andrew Koji as Ryu
Andrew Koji, a British actor and martial artist, gained fame as Ah Sahm in the Cinemax series Warrior, and later starred in Snake Eyes, Bullet Train, and Gangs of London.
Ryu, the main protagonist in the Street Fighter series, is an experienced martial artist. Known for his red outfit, he’s focused on training and striving to become the strongest. Koji has a solid background in martial arts and experience portraying disciplined, intense characters, which suits Ryu’s persona as a focused and honorable fighter.
4. Eric André as Don Sauvage
Eric Samuel André is an American comedian, actor, television host, writer, producer, and musician known for his work on Adult Swim’s surreal comedy series The Eric Andre Show, Man Seeking Woman, and Stuart Clarke/Rampage in Ironheart. He also performs music under the stage name Blarf.
Don Sauvage is known as a flamboyant and energetic ring announcer for the Capcom Wrestling Association, often adding comedic and theatrical flair to fight events. Andre is known as a high-energy, unpredictable performer, and he should fit right in. His role is shrouded in mystery, and moviegoers may find themselves wondering “who killed Hannibal?”
5. Olivier Richters as Zangief
Olivier Richters, known as “The Dutch Giant,” is a bodybuilder and actor. He gained fame for his roles in Black Widow, The King’s Man, The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, Indiana Jones, and Reacher.
Inspired by real Soviet wrestlers, Zangief was designed to be a tall, very strong character with wrestling tights, a mohawk hairstyle, and distinctive scars from training with bears. At 7′ 2″ and 353 lbs., Richters is ideal for playing the giant who crushes men’s skulls like sparrow’s egg, between his thighs.
6. Cody Rhodes as Guile
Cody Garrett Runnels Rhodes, an American professional wrestler, is the current Undisputed WWE Champion and King of the Ring, and co-founded and served as executive vice president with All Elite Wrestling from 2019-2022.
Guile debuted as one of the original eight playable characters in the 1991 game Street Fighter II. He is a pilot and later a colonel in the United States Air Force. Rhodes has the physical build, intensity, and all-American military vibe that are essential for portraying Guile. Also, he has Guile’s signature blonde flattop hair.
7. Joe Anoa’i as Akuma
Roman Reigns, born Leati Joseph Anoaʻi, is an American professional wrestler and former football player. He signed with WWE in 2010 and has the fourth-longest reign in WWE history.
Akuma first appeared as a secret character and boss in Super Street Fighter II Turbo and is infamous for being one of the most powerful and feared fighters in the franchise. Known for his deadly fighting style, ruthless philosophy, and central role in the series’ lore, especially with Ryu. As a dominant and powerful athlete, Reigns has extensive experience portraying intense, fierce characters who blend strength and agility. With Roman Reigns in the role, Akuma will demand that other players “Acknowledge me!”
8. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog
50 Cent, born Curtis James Jackson III, is an American rapper, actor, and television producer. He began his rap career in 1996 and was discovered by Eminem. 50 Cent has appeared in movies such as his debut, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2005), Home of the Brave (2006), and Righteous Kill (2008).
Balrog first appeared in Street Fighter II in 1991. He’s a disgraced heavyweight boxer and an enforcer for the criminal organization Shadaloo. Modeled after Mike Tyson, he is depicted as a tall, heavily built African-American who uses boxing techniques in combat. Jackson’s acting experience in gritty roles and height of 6’ suggest he might portray Balrog’s brute force effectively. As a villain, many men (many, many, many, many men) wish death upon him.
9. Orville Peck as Vega
Orville Peck, born Daniel Pitout in 1988, is a South African country musician and actor known for wearing masks and not publicly revealing his face.
Vega Fabio la Cerda is known for being a masked and claw-wielding fighter from Spain who combines Japanese ninjutsu with Spanish bullfighting techniques, earning him the nickname “Spanish Ninja.” His vanity led him to wear a mask to protect his face. While he doesn’t have much acting experience outside of plays, Peck’s love of masks and stage presence will help his performance.
10. Callina Liang as Chun-Li
Actress Callina Liang was born in Canada in 2000. Among her films are J.C. Lee’s Bad Genius (2024) and Steven Soderbergh’s Presence. She is well-known on TV for her role in the teen drama Tell Me Everything (2022) on ITVX. Liang has a Chinese background, as indicated by her surname “Liang.”
Chun-Li is a central character in the Street Fighter series, known as the first female playable character in the franchise. She’s notable for her strong sense of justice, remarkable fighting skills, and her iconic status as a trailblazer for female characters in fighting games. Liang is a newcomer to mainstream action roles and is gaining recognition for her performances. She doesn’t have much martial arts experience, but she has a strong acting background and physique.
11. Kyle Mooney as Marvin
Kyle Mooney was a regular cast member on the NBC Saturday Night Live from 2013 to 2022. He also co-wrote and starred in Brigsby Bear and the Netflix animated series Saturday Morning All-Star Hits!
Marvin is an original character to the movie and isn’t based on anyone from the games. His comedic and acting skills suggest he could do well, especially if the character is mainly for comic relief.
12. Vidyut Jammwal as Dhalsim
Vidyut Dev Singh Jammwal, an Indian actor, martial artist, and film producer, is known for his roles in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films, including the 2019 film Junglee, and has received numerous accolades.
In the game, Dhalsim is a pacifist yogi from India who can stretch his limbs and breathe fire. He first appeared in the 1991 video game Street Fighter II, where he fought in a tournament to raise money for his impoverished village. The Indian action star is known for performing his own stunts and his expertise in martial arts. While Dhalsim practices Hinduism, Jammwal does not support formal religion but focuses on universal energy and positivity.
13. Hirooki Goto as E. Honda
Hirooki Goto, a former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and part of the tag team Bishamon, is a Japanese professional wrestler signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
E. Honda, whose full name is Edmond Honda, is a powerful professional sumo wrestler from Japan. Introduced in Street Fighter II. He’s one of the original eight playable characters representing Japan. Goto doesn’t have the high body mass of a typical sumo wrestler, but his athletic and fighting credentials are promising. The Goto Revolution is coming to Street Fighter.
14. Mel Jarnson as Cammy White
Mel Jarnson was born in Bangkok, Thailand. She is a Thai-Australian actress, known for Mortal Kombat (2021), Harrow (2018), and Blacklight (2021). Mel spent much of her childhood living in Belgium, Thailand, and India – and is fluent in French, English, and Thai.
Cammy White, also known as “Killer Bee,” is a genetically engineered female clone created by villain M. Bison. After working as an assassin for Shadaloo, she broke away from his manipulation. She usually has blonde braided hair, a green leotard, and a red beret. White is typically shown as European, but Jarnson’s experience in action roles (like in the rival franchise Mortal Kombat) and her physical performances make her a promising choice for Cammy.
15. Rayna Vallandingham as Juli
Rayna Vallandingham is the youngest black belt martial artist to win 12 World Championship Titles, winning four in 2011 and six in 2012. She has also appeared in films and is a Brand Ambassador for the American Taekwondo Association. She’s best known for appearing in the Netflix martial arts show Cobra Kai.
Juli appears as a playable character mainly in Street Fighter Alpha 3. She’s one of the “Twelve Dolls,” a group of elite female assassins brainwashed and controlled by the villain M. Bison. The character is shown as a pale-skinned teenage German girl with brown hair. V’sallandingham’s martial arts background and physical training align with the fighting skills required for Juli’s character. As a person of East Indian descent, she’s another example of not focusing on the game character’s physical appearance.
16. Alexander Volkanovski as Joe
Alexander Volkanovski, an Australian mixed martial artist, is the current and two-time UFC Featherweight Champion. He is the first Australian-born fighter to win a UFC title and is considered one of the greatest Featherweights of all time.
Joe is a character from the original Street Fighter game. He is an American kickboxer known as “Joe the Superstar” and was once the undefeated kickboxing champion of the United States. He’s notable for his blonde spiky hair, red pants, and background as a rough, underground dude. Volkanovski’s ability to perform under pressure and athleticism should embody the character well.
17. David Dastmalchian as M. Bison
David Dastmalchian, an American actor, writer, and producer, has starred in various superhero franchises, including Thomas Schiff in The Dark Knight (2008), Kurt and Veb in Ant-Man (2008), and Polka-Dot Man in The Suicide Squad (2021).
M. Bison, the main antagonist of the Street Fighter series, is a ruthless dictator and the leader of the criminal organization Shadaloo. His iconic look includes a military-style uniform with a cape and hat, symbolizing his dictatorial nature. Dastmalchian’s known for his versatility and experience playing complex villains, so he should give a nuanced performance as the brutal dictator.
18. Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki
Andrew Cameron Schulz, an American comedian, actor, and podcaster, is known for his work on MTV2’s Guy Code and its spinoffs, and his first Netflix special, Schulz Saves America.
Dan Hibiki, a funny character that parodies SNK’s Art of Fighting protagonists Ryo Sakazaki and Robert Garcia. He’s become a fan favorite because of his humorous design. Andrew Schulz is best known as a stand-up comedian, and he brings a confident, brash energy that aligns perfectly with Dan Hibiki’s personality. The guy is famously overconfident, flamboyant, and not exactly competent. This feels like a match made in heaven. The biggest problem is that Dan is Asian, and it feels like a case of “white-washing.”
What do you think of the Street Fighter cast? Let us know in the comments below!
