The iconic fighting game franchise Street Fighter is making its return to the big screen with a brand-new live-action adaptation scheduled to hit theaters on October 16, 2026. The film, directed by Kitao Sakurai, is being co-produced by Legendary Entertainment in partnership with Capcom, and distributed by Paramount Pictures under a three-year deal that underscores Hollywood’s growing commitment to video game adaptations.
A Tournament of Legends
The film’s narrative is set in 1993, during the global rise of Street Fighter II: The World Warrior. It follows estranged martial artists Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo), who are drawn into a brutal World Warrior Tournament organized by mysterious forces. With help from Chun-Li (Callina Liang), the fighters uncover dark conspiracies tied to their pasts, raising the stakes far beyond victory in the ring.
Production
Principal photography began in August 2025 at Disney Studios in Moore Park, Sydney, Australia. The film is expected to blend martial arts choreography with big-budget spectacle, aiming to please both fans of the classic arcade franchise and new audiences.
A Power-Packed Cast
The film boasts an ensemble lineup of global stars, wrestlers, and fighters, ensuring authenticity in both performance and combat sequences.
– Andrew Koji as Ryu
– Noah Centineo as Ken Masters
– Callina Liang as Chun-Li
– Jason Momoa as Blanka
– Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog
– Cody Rhodes as Guile
– David Dastmalchian as M. Bison
– Roman Reigns as Akuma
– Vidyut Jammwal as Dhalsim (Hollywood debut)
– Guest appearance: Alexander Volkanovski on the first official poster
Additional roles include Eric André, Orville Peck, Hirooki Goto, and Mel Jarnson, with several UFC and WWE stars making cameo appearances.
Fan Anticipation and Skepticism
While excitement is running high, fans remain cautiously optimistic. Previous Street Fighter adaptations, including the 1994 Jean-Claude Van Damme version, were criticized for failing to capture the essence of the beloved franchise. With Paramount and Legendary’s backing, however, expectations are that the 2026 version will bring the game’s energy, combat style, and mythology to life in a way that resonates with modern audiences.
The announcement comes amid a wave of successful video game adaptations, from The Super Mario Bros. Movie to HBO’s The Last of Us. Hollywood’s embrace of gaming IPs reflects a shift in entertainment, where nostalgic properties are reimagined for global audiences.
As fans count down to October 2026, one thing is certain: Street Fighter is preparing to deliver a cinematic “Hadoken” that could redefine how fighting games are adapted for the big screen.