The New Street Fighter Movie Cast: 7 Shocking Character Reveals And Everything We Know About Legendary's 1993 Reboot

The long-awaited live-action adaptation of Capcom's iconic fighting game, Street Fighter, is finally taking shape, and as of December 2025, the full cast list has been officially revealed by Legendary Pictures. This new cinematic reboot promises a fresh, gritty take on the classic arcade lore, setting the stage for a martial arts epic that aims to wash away the memory of previous attempts. With production now underway in Australia, fans are buzzing over the surprising A-list and rising star talent tapped to bring beloved characters like Ryu, Ken, and Chun-Li to life, alongside some truly unexpected choices for the villainous roles of Akuma and M. Bison.

The film, which is being developed by Legendary and Capcom, is poised to be a major theatrical event, with Paramount Pictures set to distribute and an anticipated release date of October 16, 2026. Directed by Kitao Sakurai and penned by Dalan Musson, this iteration is specifically set in 1993, a nod to the game's golden era, and focuses on the dynamic between estranged fighters Ryu and Ken Masters as they are drawn back into combat by the mysterious Chun-Li. The casting decisions are bold, blending established action stars with dramatic actors, ensuring the movie delivers both intense fight choreography and compelling character drama.

The Main Event: Full Biography and Profile of the Core Cast

Legendary has officially unveiled the core ensemble that will anchor the new Street Fighter film. These actors are tasked with embodying some of the most recognizable figures in video game history, bringing a new dimension to their backstories and signature fighting styles. The following is a breakdown of the central cast members and their notable backgrounds.

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• Andrew Koji as Ryu
  • Character: The wandering martial artist, a master of Ansatsuken and the main protagonist, known for his relentless pursuit of perfection and his iconic "Hadoken."
  • Biography: Koji is a British actor and martial artist best known for his lead role as Ah Sahm in the Cinemax/HBO Max series Warrior. He has also appeared in action-heavy roles such as the antagonist in Snake Eyes and as Kimura in Bullet Train. His extensive background in martial arts makes him a formidable and highly respected choice to portray the stoic Ryu.
• Noah Centineo as Ken Masters
  • Character: The flashy, wealthy American rival and best friend to Ryu, known for his fiery "Shoryuken" and charismatic personality.
  • Biography: Centineo is an American actor who rose to fame as a teen heartthrob in Netflix rom-coms like To All the Boys I've Loved Before. He successfully transitioned into action roles, notably playing Atom Smasher in the DC Extended Universe film Black Adam and starring in the Netflix spy series The Recruit. His casting represents a significant departure from his earlier work, signaling a commitment to a more serious, action-oriented career path.
• Callina Liang as Chun-Li
  • Character: The formidable Interpol officer and first female fighter of the series, driven by a quest for vengeance against the criminal organization Shadaloo.
  • Biography: Liang is a rising star known for her role in the Netflix series The Midnight Club. Her casting as the fan-favorite Chun-Li is a major breakout role. Fans are eager to see how she handles the character's signature speed, powerful kicks, and emotional depth as she investigates the mysterious forces pulling Ryu and Ken back into the global fighting circuit.

The Shocking Villain Cast: M. Bison and Akuma

The success of any Street Fighter adaptation hinges on its villains, and Legendary has made two truly unexpected and high-profile casting decisions for the leaders of Shadaloo and the ultimate master of the dark arts.

David Dastmalchian as M. Bison

The casting of David Dastmalchian as the tyrannical leader of Shadaloo, M. Bison, has generated significant internet discussion. Dastmalchian is a character actor celebrated for his intense, often quirky, and dramatically layered performances in major franchises.

Known for his roles as Polka-Dot Man in The Suicide Squad, the unsettling Pym tech buyer in the Ant-Man films, and a chilling turn in Oppenheimer, Dastmalchian brings a unique blend of menace and theatricality. His portrayal is expected to lean heavily into Bison's psychological complexity and controlled, overwhelming power, moving away from a purely muscular interpretation to one of calculated, frightening villainy. This choice suggests the film will prioritize character depth and a darker tone over simple action clichés.

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Joe "Roman Reigns" Anoa'i as Akuma

Perhaps the most talked-about casting is the announcement of WWE superstar Joe "Roman Reigns" Anoa'i taking on the role of Akuma. Akuma, the brother of Gouken and a master of the Satsui no Hado (Surge of Murderous Intent), is one of the most powerful and feared characters in the entire Street Fighter universe.

Anoa'i is one of the biggest names in professional wrestling, known for his imposing physical presence, intense on-screen persona, and considerable charisma. While he has limited film experience compared to his wrestling career, his sheer size and established reputation for portraying a dominant, unstoppable force make him a physically perfect fit for the demon-like Akuma. This casting signals the film's intent to deliver brutal, high-impact martial arts sequences, ensuring the showdowns involving Akuma live up to the character's legendary status as a force of nature.

The Expanding Roster and Rumored Appearances

While the core cast is confirmed, additional sources have circulated a more extensive list of actors attached to the project, indicating the film will feature a broad roster of classic characters, significantly expanding the topical authority of the cinematic universe. These rumored and semi-confirmed additions further illustrate the scope of Legendary's ambition for this franchise reboot.

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• Cody Rhodes as Guile: The current wrestling star Cody Rhodes is reportedly set to play the patriotic U.S. Air Force Major, Guile. Like Anoa'i, Rhodes's wrestling background provides the necessary physical training and presence for the role.
• Orville Peck as Vega: The masked country musician Orville Peck has been linked to the role of the Spanish Ninja, Vega. This is an intriguing choice, suggesting a highly stylized, dramatic take on the vain and cage-fighting assassin.
• 50 Cent as Balrog: Rapper and actor 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson) is rumored to be playing the powerful, professional boxer Balrog. His casting would add another layer of star power and gravitas to Shadaloo's enforcers.
• Jason Momoa as Blanka: The possibility of Jason Momoa playing the feral, green-skinned warrior Blanka has also been floated. Given Momoa's imposing physique and experience with motion capture and transformative roles, this would be a major—and likely CGI-heavy—addition.

If these additional castings are fully confirmed, the movie is stacking up to be a true ensemble piece, honoring the massive roster that made Street Fighter II a global phenomenon. The inclusion of characters like Guile, Balrog, and Vega suggests the plot will involve a global tournament or a massive confrontation between the world's fighters and the Shadaloo organization.

Production Details and The 1993 Setting Intention

The new Street Fighter film is currently in production in Australia, with Legendary and Capcom aiming for a high-quality, authentic adaptation. The choice of director, Kitao Sakurai, known for his work on The Eric Andre Show and the dark comedy Bad Trip, is unconventional but points toward a film that might blend intense action with unexpected humor or a surreal, stylized aesthetic.

The decision to set the movie in 1993 is a key creative choice. This specific year is significant as it was the height of the Street Fighter II arcade boom, grounding the story in the exact moment the franchise achieved worldwide cultural dominance. This setting allows the filmmakers to explore the origins of the main characters—Ryu, Ken, and Chun-Li—before the events of later games, focusing on a world where the concept of a global fighting tournament and a shadowy criminal organization were just beginning to emerge.

The plot centers on the "estranged Street Fighters Ryu and Ken Masters," who are forced back into action when the enigmatic Chun-Li appears. This narrative structure suggests a focus on the core friendship and rivalry between Ryu and Ken, a dynamic that has always been the emotional heart of the series. By focusing on their journey and Chun-Li's mission, the film can build a solid foundation for a potential franchise, introducing the vast, complex world of Street Fighter to a new generation of fans while satisfying the curiosity of long-time enthusiasts.

With a 2026 release date looming, the anticipation for this new live-action Street Fighter is palpable. The combination of a strong, diverse cast, a director with a unique vision, and a commitment to the game's core lore makes this one of the most exciting video game adaptations currently in development. Fans should keep a close eye on Legendary and Paramount for further updates and official confirmations of the full, star-studded roster.