Is This Finally the Street Fighter Movie Fans Deserve? 4 Reasons to Be Excited!

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Just like Queen sings, ‘Is this truly reality, or is it merely an illusion?’ I bring this up because not only am I highly optimistic about the upcoming Mortal Kombat film, but after learning about the cast for Legendary’s Street Fighter movie, my excitement for that project has also skyrocketed!

Is it conceivable to you that we might soon see exceptional remakes of the ’90s films, Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter? I’ve always had a fondness for those movies, but I wouldn’t hesitate to call them less than stellar, even if they have their campy charm. But to imagine that both could be top-notch productions in the near future… frankly, it still feels like a fantasy.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been thrilled by the success of “Mortal Kombat 2” that recently graced our screens. However, unlike its martial arts counterpart, the cast for the upcoming “Street Fighter” film is only partially confirmed. Despite this, I remain optimistic and believe that this could potentially be the moment when a “Street Fighter” movie truly shines. Here’s why:

1. The Legacy: Street Fighter has been an iconic part of video game history for decades, and its characters are universally recognized. A well-executed film adaptation could captivate audiences worldwide.

2. The Storyline: The intricate narratives within the Street Fighter universe offer a rich tapestry for storytelling, providing ample opportunities to create engaging and memorable plotlines.

3. The Characters: From Ryu’s relentless pursuit of perfection to Chun-Li’s quest for justice, each character in the Street Fighter series has a unique and compelling backstory that could translate beautifully onto the big screen.

4. The Action: With its blend of martial arts, special moves, and epic battles, Street Fighter promises high-octane action sequences that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

5. The Potential for Sequels: If executed well, a successful “Street Fighter” film could pave the way for exciting sequels, delving deeper into the world and characters we’ve come to love over the years.

So, while we wait for more details about the cast, I remain hopeful that this will be the Street Fighter movie we’ve all been waiting for.

First Off, They Are Putting Dan Hibiki In This Movie, Which Means They’re Going For The Deep Cuts

Upon first learning that Ryu (Andrew Koji), Ken (Noah Centineo), Chun-Li (Callina Liang), Blanka (Jason Momoa), Vega (Orville Peck), Balrog (50 Cent), and Akuma (Roman Reigns) would all appear in the same film, I must admit my initial reaction was, “Well, that sounds interesting.” After all, with such a lineup, it’s clear that the movie will showcase many of the series’ prominent characters. The selection gives off a distinct feel reminiscent of “Street Fighter II,” which is fitting since it’s the most renowned game in the extensive franchise.

Upon learning that comedian Andrew Schulz would play the pink gi-wearing character Dan Hibiki, my excitement level soared like a Shoryuken! This announcement is intriguing since we already have many iconic characters from the franchise confirmed, but the casting of Dan while we’re still waiting for M. Bison, Zangief, or Sagat has left me thinking that this movie will take an unusual and engaging direction.

This movie will draw from various timelines of the franchise, a feature I was eagerly anticipating. Since Dan originated in the Alpha series, it seems likely that Sagat might appear in this film, considering their past interactions.

I’m thrilled that Dan will be part of this movie! Although he might not be the most obscure character, given the humor behind the series, his inclusion in the film, along with the casting of a skilled comedian for the role, gives me the impression that any character could potentially appear.

How about considering some less popular characters for potential inclusion, such as Sean, Makoto, or Juri from Street Fighter, and even characters like Guy, Cody, or Poison from Final Fight? Frankly, I never imagined it was feasible before, but with Dan being included in the film, it seems anything is possible.

Not All Of The Actors Are Super Megastars (Yet), Which I Hope Means They’re Looking To Cast Who They Think Is Best For The Roles

Another reason I’m excitedly optimistic about this film is the addition of Jason Momoa to the cast, who will portray none other than Blanka. Yes, you heard it right, Blanka! Admittedly, I find it hard to express surprise given that he’s also set to play Lobo in the project.

Beyond him, another significant character in this movie is the wrestler known as Roman Reigns, portraying Akuma – a character I’ll discuss later. To add, the current lineup of actors (for now, at least) includes rising stars like Noah Centineo and performers who may not be as well-known as some other cast members mentioned. However, this only boosts my anticipation for this film.

It’s highly unlikely that Akuma will take on the role of the main character in this movie. While he could be the primary antagonist, it seems almost certain that he won’t be the central hero. Instead, it looks like either Ryu or Chun-Li, portrayed by Andrew Koji and Callina Liang respectively, will likely assume the protagonist position.

Koji is likely best recognized for his portrayal of Ah Sahm from the Cinemax series, “Warrior.” If not that, then perhaps as Storm Shadow in the “G.I. Joe” movie, “Snake Eyes.” Honestly, he’d make a fantastic Ryu, and I’m glad someone like him got the role instead of a big-name celebrity.

As a cinephile, I find Callina Liang to be an intriguing pick for the role of Chun-Li. It seems like her debut in the Steven Soderbergh film, “Presence,” was her first appearance on the big screen, or perhaps her lead role in “Bad Genius” from 2024. Regardless, I’m thrilled to see that the decision-makers might be considering actors who embody their characters, rather than relying solely on established names. After all, it’s a breath of fresh air when talent and suitability align!

Akuma Was One Of The First Confirmed Characters For This Movie, Which May Mean He’ll Play An Important Role In The Story

To put it straightforwardly, when I learned that Roman Reigns would portray Akuma, I had an initial, somewhat involuntary reaction of discomfort.

I’ll openly confess that I’m not overly fond of Reigns’ wrestling abilities, and it was challenging for me to picture him as a great demon. Nevertheless, one aspect I appreciated was learning that Akuma was among the earliest characters chosen for the movie, suggesting he might play a significant role in the plot.

And, by any chance, are you aware of how thrilled I am about this? So far, we’ve had two live-action Street Fighter films, and both have M. Bison as the primary villain. This movie might follow suit (considering Shadaloo could still be involved given that Vega and Balrog are already in the cast), but the early casting of Akuma (and with Roman Reigns to play him!) suggests that he’ll have a significant impact on the plot.

As a passionate film enthusiast, let me share some insights about the captivating characters from the Street Fighter universe – Ryu and Akuma. If you’re new to this epic saga, it’s essential to know that Akuma holds a complex past with both Ryu and Ken.

Throughout the storyline, Akuma persistently tempts Ryu to yield to his darker instincts, often referred to as the Satsui no Hado. This ongoing struggle between good and evil adds depth and tension to Ryu’s character arc, making for an enthralling narrative that keeps fans on the edge of their seats!

Is it possible that the plot of the movie might be moving towards a certain path, given that Akuma is part of the narrative? It seems plausible.

Lastly, There Are Already Two Live-Action Street Fighter Movies, So They Should Know By Now What NOT To Do

Previously, I penned an article discussing top video game adaptations into movies. Interestingly enough, two movies that didn’t make the cut were “Street Fighter” from 1994, featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme, and “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li,” which was quite poor in quality.

In both instances, when they initially came out, I didn’t think either would be the greatest video game movies ever made, but I was merely hoping for a FAIR portrayal of two of my beloved video game series. Over time, I’ve developed a liking for the 1994 film, but let’s face it, The Legend of Chun-Li is indefensibly poor and there’s honestly nothing to appreciate about it.

In other words, given that there were previously less-than-impressive Street Fighter films, it’s reassuring to think that the creators of this new movie have learned from their mistakes and will avoid repeating them.

As a discerning film critic, I must say that the makers have certainly demonstrated their grasp of the source material by prioritizing the central characters in the narrative – Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, and Akuma – instead of making Guile the lead as they did in the ’94 movie. Moreover, it’s refreshing to see them avoid the pitfall of creating an oddball origin story that neglects many of the series’ staples, while still finding room for Nash, aka Charlie.

From all these points and many others, it seems to me that they might be on track to successfully produce the Street Fighter movie for the first time, as opposed to their previous attempts which were less than satisfactory.

Wondering if we share the same sentiment? Is it your belief too, that this could potentially mark the long-awaited arrival of a truly outstanding Street Fighter film? I’m eager to get your thoughts on this, my fellow combatants!

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2025-07-01 12:09