Legendary Secures New Talent for Upcoming Street Fighter Adaptation

06/23/2025

More than two years have passed since it was announced that Legendary Entertainment obtained exclusive rights to develop live-action films and television based on the legendary Capcom game series, Street Fighter. The production company has affirmed that all upcoming projects will be created in collaboration with Capcom, with a feature film currently in the works. In recent months, key cast members have been revealed, including Andrew Koji as Ryu and Noah Centineo as Ken. Additionally, Jason Momoa, Orville Peck, and WWE star Roman Reigns are set to appear in undisclosed roles. Directing duties fall to Kitao Sakurai, best known for “Bad Trip,” with a script penned by Dalan Musson, who is also working on “Captain America: Brave New World.”

The latest casting update reveals that Callina Liang, known for her role in Steven Soderbergh’s “Presence,” has taken on the pivotal role of Chun-Li. A trailblazing character introduced in Street Fighter II, she is one of the earliest female fighters in gaming history. Trained in martial arts and fueled by a desire to seek justice for her father’s murder—perpetrated by the villainous M. Bison—Chun-Li combines speed and strength in battle. As an Interpol agent, she wields iconic techniques like the Hyakuretsukyaku and Spinning Bird Kick. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is in negotiations to play Balrog, the former boxer turned brutal enforcer under M. Bison’s command.

Since its debut in 1987, the Street Fighter franchise has sold over 49 million copies globally, cementing its place as one of the most influential and profitable video game series ever made. Known for pushing boundaries in competitive gameplay, it remains a cornerstone of the fighting game genre. Legendary, which has successfully brought other game-based adaptations to life—including “Detective Pikachu” and “Enola Holmes”—is also behind acclaimed titles like “Dune” and entries in the Monsterverse. Past attempts to adapt Street Fighter into film have struggled commercially, notably the 1994 release starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and the 2009 effort focused on Chun-Li. However, with renewed creative direction and a fresh cast, this new iteration aims to honor the legacy of the games while delivering a compelling cinematic experience.

As the entertainment world continues to explore stories rooted in digital worlds, there’s a growing opportunity to elevate characters from virtual arenas into meaningful narratives. This new chapter in the Street Fighter saga represents more than just a film—it reflects a chance to celebrate resilience, justice, and the enduring power of storytelling drawn from interactive media. With passionate fans eagerly awaiting a worthy adaptation, this project holds the promise of transforming how audiences view video game-inspired cinema.