Street Fighter isn’t just another video game series — it’s one of the pillars of modern gaming. Since its arcade debut in 1987, the franchise has sold over 50 million copies and turned characters like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Guile into household names. Its competitive roots shaped the entire fighting-game genre and helped spawn a global tournament scene that still thrives today. Few gaming brands carry the same nostalgic pull and international recognition, which is why every attempt to bring it to the big screen has been met with both curiosity and skepticism.
That curiosity just spiked again: a new live-action Street Fighter movie is now filming in Australia, with WWE stars Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns stepping into key roles alongside Jason Momoa. Legendary Entertainment and Paramount are backing the reboot, hoping this time the cinematic version can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the cultural legacy of the games.
Which WWE wrestlers are in the new Street Fighter movie?
The reboot has pulled talent straight out of the wrestling ring. WWE champion Cody Rhodes is playing the iconic U.S. soldier Guile, complete with his trademark flat-top haircut. Fellow WWE superstar Roman Reigns has been cast as the villainous Akuma, a fan-favorite fighter known for his demonic presence. And Japanese pro wrestler Hirooki Goto is set to bring E. Honda to life.
This casting strategy taps directly into WWE’s massive fanbase, creating buzz well beyond gamers and moviegoers.
Which big names round out the cast?
Wrestlers aren’t the only stars here. The reboot is stacked with high-profile actors:
- Jason Momoa as Blanka
- Andrew Koji as Ryu
- Noah Centineo as Ken
- 50 Cent as Balrog
- Callina Liang as Chun-Li
- Orville Peck as Vega
- David Dastmalchian as M. Bison
- Andrew Schulz as Dan
- Vidyut Jammwal as Dhalsim
It’s a lineup that blends established movie stars with musicians and fighters, underscoring just how much Hollywood is betting on Street Fighter as a crossover event.
Who is directing the reboot?
The project was originally set to be directed by the Philippou brothers of Talk to Me fame, but they exited earlier this year. Netflix and Legendary Entertainment tapped Kitao Sakurai, best known for Bad Trip, to helm the film. Filming began in Australia in August 2025, with the production aiming for a global release next year.
When will the new Street Fighter movie be released?
The film was initially dated for March 2026 under Sony, but that slot has since shifted. Legendary and Paramount are now overseeing distribution, and while no firm release date has been locked, 2026 remains the target. Given the scale of the cast and the franchise’s global reach, the rollout is expected to include both theatrical and streaming components.
Why does this reboot matter?
Street Fighter is one of the most beloved video game franchises in history, but its track record in film is uneven. By leaning on wrestlers with built-in fan followings and a diverse, star-heavy cast, this reboot is positioned as both a love letter to the games and a major event film. The crossover of WWE energy, gaming nostalgia, and blockbuster spectacle makes this a story to watch heading into 2026.
Flix FAQs
Q: Which WWE stars are in the new Street Fighter movie?
A: Cody Rhodes plays Guile, Roman Reigns is Akuma, and Hirooki Goto appears as E. Honda.
Q: Who else is in the cast besides wrestlers?
A: Jason Momoa (Blanka), Andrew Koji (Ryu), Noah Centineo (Ken), 50 Cent (Balrog), Callina Liang (Chun-Li), Orville Peck (Vega), David Dastmalchian (M. Bison), Andrew Schulz (Dan), and Vidyut Jammwal (Dhalsim).
Q: When is the Street Fighter reboot coming out?
A: The film no longer has its original March 2026 slot, but Legendary and Paramount are still targeting a 2026 release.
The Bigger Picture
Live-action Street Fighter adaptations have struggled before. The 1994 Jean-Claude Van Damme version has cult appeal but was derided critically, while 2009’s Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li all but disappeared after a poor reception. Those misfires left fans doubtful that the series could ever translate beyond the console.
This new attempt is built differently. By mixing globally known wrestlers, bankable movie stars, and fresh talent, the studio is clearly aiming for an event film that appeals to multiple fanbases at once — gamers, wrestling audiences, and action-movie regulars. With Kitao Sakurai directing and Legendary/Paramount handling distribution, the reboot isn’t just trying to update Street Fighter for a new generation; it’s trying to finally make the franchise work as cinema.
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