The Sumo Slam: Everything We Know About Hirooki Goto's E. Honda In The NEW Street Fighter Movie (2026)

The new live-action *Street Fighter* movie is gearing up to be the most ambitious video game adaptation yet, and the casting of the iconic sumo wrestler, E. Honda, has fans buzzing. As of December 2025, the latest and most exciting update confirms that the role of the Japanese powerhouse will be played by a real-life fighting legend: New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) star, Hirooki Goto. This casting choice signals a commitment to authenticity and brings a unique, legitimate combat background to the film's roster, promising a faithful and hard-hitting portrayal of the World Warrior.

The upcoming film, set for release on October 16, 2026, is generating massive topical authority with its star-studded and unexpected cast. With filming officially underway, the focus on E. Honda—a foundational character from the original *Street Fighter II* lineup—suggests a deep dive into the classic lore, centering on his quest to prove that sumo wrestling is the ultimate fighting style on the global stage.

E. Honda (Edmond Honda) & Actor Hirooki Goto: A Dual Biography

The character E. Honda, or Edmond Honda, is one of the most recognizable figures in the *Street Fighter* universe. His entry into the World Warrior tournament is driven by a singular, patriotic goal: to demonstrate that the ancient, noble art of Japanese sumo wrestling is the greatest fighting discipline in the world. The casting of a decorated professional wrestler like Hirooki Goto adds a layer of genuine fighting credibility to this mission.

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Edmond Honda: The Sumo World Warrior

• Full Name: Edmond Honda (エドモンド本田)
• First Appearance: *Street Fighter II: The World Warrior* (1991)
• Fighting Style: Sumo Wrestling (Sumō)
• Nationality: Japanese
• Goal: To prove that sumo is the world's greatest fighting style and to elevate its international status.
• Signature Moves: The rapid-fire Hundred Hand Slap (Hyakuretsu Harite) and the devastating Super Zutsuki (Sumo Headbutt) or Sumo Splash (Super Hyakkan Otoshi).
• Appearance: Known for his traditional blue or black *mawashi* (sumo belt) and his face paint (*kumadori*) inspired by Kabuki theatre.

Hirooki Goto: The NJPW Warrior

• Name: Hirooki Goto (後藤 洋央紀)
• Date of Birth: June 25, 1979
• Nationality: Japanese
• Profession: Professional Wrestler and Actor
• Wrestling Career Highlights: Signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) since 2003, he is a highly decorated veteran.
• Championships: A former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion (a prestigious title in NJPW), and winner of multiple championships across various divisions.
• Hollywood Debut: The role of E. Honda marks his first major Hollywood acting role, bringing a legitimate, high-impact fighting background to the character.

Why Hirooki Goto is the Perfect E. Honda Casting

The choice of Hirooki Goto for E. Honda is a stroke of genius by Legendary Pictures and director Kitao Sakurai. While Goto is a professional wrestler and not a traditional sumo *rikishi*, his physical presence and experience in high-impact, choreographed combat make him uniquely suited for the role. This casting mirrors the approach taken with other fighters in the film, prioritizing real-world combat experience over traditional acting credits.

E. Honda's fighting style, while based on sumo, is highly exaggerated for the game, featuring powerful, explosive bursts of speed and incredible force. Goto’s background in NJPW, a promotion known for its hard-hitting "strong style" of wrestling, means he is already adept at performing physically demanding, high-risk maneuvers. He understands the art of combining power, agility, and performance—the exact combination required to bring the iconic Hundred Hand Slap and Sumo Headbutt to life on the big screen.

Furthermore, Goto's status as a celebrated Japanese athlete adds cultural authenticity to the portrayal of the proud Japanese World Warrior. Fans are eager to see how his wrestling experience translates into the character's signature moves, especially the devastating Super Zutsuki that sends opponents flying.

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The Expanding Roster: All Confirmed Street Fighter 2026 Characters

The 2026 *Street Fighter* film is shaping up to be an ensemble piece, pulling from the deep well of the franchise’s lore. The plot, reportedly set in 1993, will center on the estranged friends Ryu (played by Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (played by Noah Centineo) being drawn back into the world of combat by Chun-Li (played by Callina Liang).

The casting announcements have been a flurry of surprises, with the production embracing non-traditional actors, including musicians and professional fighters, to fill the roles of the World Warriors. This approach suggests a focus on physical authenticity and star power, generating significant buzz for the Capcom-Legendary collaboration.

Key Confirmed Cast and Characters (Entities)

• Ken Masters: Noah Centineo
• Ryu: Andrew Koji
• Chun-Li: Callina Liang
• E. Honda: Hirooki Goto
• Guile: Cody Rhodes (AEW/WWE Star)
• Akuma: Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa'i (WWE Star)
• Balrog: Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (Rapper/Actor)
• M. Bison: David Dastmalchian (Actor)
• Vega: Orville Peck (Musician)
• Blanka: Jason Momoa (Actor)
• Cammy White: Mel Jarnson (Actor)

The inclusion of major wrestling figures like Roman Reigns (Akuma) and Cody Rhodes (Guile), alongside a hip-hop icon like 50 Cent (Balrog), solidifies the film’s unique, high-profile casting strategy. The choice of David Dastmalchian as the main antagonist, M. Bison, leader of the nefarious Shadaloo organization, is particularly compelling, promising a new take on the villain's menacing presence. The film is set to be a spectacle, blending martial arts action with the larger-than-life energy that made the *Street Fighter* video games a global phenomenon.

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