The SHOCKING New Street Fighter Movie Cast: Full List, Character Roles, And Everything You Need To Know For The 2026 Reboot

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The highly anticipated *Street Fighter* live-action movie is officially moving forward, and the casting choices are generating massive buzz and controversy across the gaming and film worlds. Scheduled for a 2026 release, this new adaptation from Legendary Entertainment and Capcom is poised to be the most ambitious attempt yet to bring the iconic fighting game to the big screen, spearheaded by an eclectic mix of martial arts experts, Hollywood stars, and unexpected celebrity newcomers, including some major names from the WWE. As of late 2025, production is well underway, and the full roster of actors stepping into the shoes of Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, and the rest of the World Warriors has been confirmed, promising a fresh, action-packed take on the beloved franchise. This deep-dive guide breaks down every confirmed cast member, their character role, and why these choices—from the surprising to the pitch-perfect—are set to define the next generation of *Street Fighter* cinema.

The Confirmed Roster: Meet the World Warriors of the 2026 Street Fighter Film

The producers have assembled a truly unique ensemble, blending seasoned actors known for their action and martial arts prowess with major celebrity names from wrestling and music, ensuring the film captures both the fighting authenticity and the larger-than-life spectacle of the source material.
  • Andrew Koji as Ryu: The spiritual, wandering martial artist and the heart of the *Street Fighter* saga.
  • Noah Centineo as Ken Masters: Ryu’s best friend, rival, and the wealthy, charismatic American fighter.
  • Callina Liang as Chun-Li: The Interpol officer and master of Chinese martial arts, on a mission to avenge her father.
  • Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa'i as Akuma: The master of the *Satsui no Hado* and one of the most feared villains in the *Street Fighter* universe.
  • Cody Rhodes as Guile: The U.S. Air Force Major seeking to avenge his friend Charlie Nash.
  • Orville Peck as Vega: The masked Spanish cage fighter and narcissist.
  • David Dastmalchian as M. Bison: The tyrannical leader of Shadaloo and the primary antagonist.
  • Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog: The aggressive, former professional boxer.

Character Deep Dive: Why These Actors Were Chosen

The casting strategy for the 2026 *Street Fighter* movie appears to be a calculated gamble: pairing actors who embody the physical requirements with celebrities whose star power can draw a massive, diverse audience. This balance is crucial for a blockbuster adaptation.

Andrew Koji (Ryu) – The Authentic Martial Artist

Kicking off the cast is British actor and martial artist Andrew Koji as the iconic Ryu. This choice has been widely praised by fans for its commitment to authenticity. Koji is best known for his breakout role as Ah Sahm in the Cinemax series *Warrior*, a show based on a concept by Bruce Lee. His background as a trained martial artist and stuntman, combined with his experience in high-octane action (including roles in *Bullet Train* and *Snake Eyes*), makes him a natural fit for the stoic, disciplined Ryu.

Topical Authority Insight: Koji's casting suggests the film is prioritizing grounded, practical martial arts choreography, moving away from the more stylized, less-believable action of previous *Street Fighter* attempts. His dedication to Shaolin kung fu and his nuanced acting in *Warrior* promise a Ryu who is both physically formidable and emotionally complex as he grapples with the *Satsui no Hado*.

Noah Centineo (Ken Masters) – The Hollywood Heartthrob

In a move designed to appeal to a younger, wider audience, Noah Centineo steps in as Ken Masters. Centineo rose to fame as a teen heartthrob in Netflix's *To All the Boys* film series and has since transitioned into action roles, notably as Atom Smasher in *Black Adam* and in the spy series *The Recruit*. While his martial arts experience is less documented than Koji's, his charisma, physical build, and established star power make him the perfect foil for Koji's grounded Ryu. The dynamic between the brooding Ryu and the flashy, wealthy Ken is central to the *Street Fighter* lore, and Centineo is expected to nail the character's energetic personality.

Callina Liang (Chun-Li) – The Rising Star

The role of Chun-Li, arguably the most important female character in gaming history, goes to Canadian actress Callina Liang. Liang is a relative newcomer, but she has quickly built an impressive resume, including roles in Steven Soderbergh's film *Presence* and the ITVX teen drama *Tell Me*. Her casting as the Interpol agent and master of the *Hyakuretsukyaku* (Lightning Kick) is a massive opportunity, showcasing the production's willingness to cast fresh talent alongside established names. Fans are eager to see her interpretation of Chun-Li's powerful, determined quest for justice against Shadaloo.

The Unexpected Casting Choices That Will Define the Film

The most talked-about decisions involve the casting of three major celebrities from the worlds of professional wrestling and music. These choices are bold, unconventional, and perfectly aligned with the over-the-top nature of the *Street Fighter* universe.

Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa'i (Akuma) – The Tribal Chief Unleashed

The biggest headline-grabber is the casting of WWE superstar Joe Anoa'i, better known as "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns, as the demon-like Akuma. Anoa'i, a member of the legendary Anoa'i wrestling family (which includes Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson), has become one of the most dominant and compelling figures in professional wrestling history. Akuma is the embodiment of the *Satsui no Hado*, a character defined by raw, destructive power and a terrifying presence. Anoa'i's imposing physique, intense screen presence, and experience playing a powerful, ruthless character make him a surprisingly excellent choice to portray the master of the *Gou-Hadouken*.

LSI Keyword Focus: The inclusion of Roman Reigns as Akuma immediately links the film to the massive WWE Universe, drawing in wrestling fans and creating a unique cross-promotional opportunity. His casting is a direct nod to the character's physical dominance and intimidating aura.

Cody Rhodes (Guile) – The American Nightmare

Another major WWE name, Cody Rhodes, has been cast as the military hero Guile. Rhodes, known as "The American Nightmare," is one of the most popular and technically proficient wrestlers in the world, famous for his dramatic entrance and classic American look. Guile, with his iconic flat-top haircut and military background, is a character who requires a strong, heroic presence. Rhodes’ established image as a main-event star and a dedicated performer suggests he can bring the necessary intensity and discipline to the role of the U.S. Air Force Major.

Orville Peck (Vega) – The Masked Crooner

Perhaps the most unconventional casting is masked country music star Orville Peck as the Spanish ninja, Vega. Peck, known for his deep baritone voice and signature fringed mask, recently made his Broadway debut, but the *Street Fighter* film marks his major acting debut. The character of Vega is a narcissistic, flamboyant cage fighter obsessed with beauty and known for his claw weapon and masked look. Peck’s mysterious, theatrical persona and strong visual identity make him a strangely perfect fit for the villain's unique aesthetic and theatrical flair. This casting choice is a clear indication that the director, Kitao Sakurai, is leaning into the bizarre and memorable aspects of the *Street Fighter* roster.

Behind the Scenes: Directors, Writers, and Production Details

The success of the 2026 *Street Fighter* movie will not just rely on its powerful cast but also on the creative team guiding the production.

The film is being directed by Kitao Sakurai, a name that immediately signals a fresh, non-traditional approach. Sakurai is best known for his work directing and co-writing the highly successful hidden-camera comedy film *Bad Trip* and for his directing and producing work on *The Eric Andre Show*. This background in boundary-pushing comedy and unconventional filmmaking suggests the new *Street Fighter* movie may contain more humor and self-awareness than previous, overly serious adaptations.

The screenplay is being penned by Dalan Musson. Musson is known for his writing on the Disney+ series *The Falcon and the Winter Soldier*, which demonstrates his ability to handle action, complex character dynamics, and established comic book (and by extension, video game) lore. The combination of Sakurai’s unique directorial vision and Musson’s experience with major franchise storytelling is a compelling reason to believe this adaptation will finally capture the manic energy and global scale of the *Street Fighter* games.

Production Status: Filming for the movie reportedly commenced in Australia in August 2025, with a tentative global release date set for October 16, 2026.

The Legacy and the Future of the Franchise

Previous live-action attempts, such as the 1994 film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and the 2009 *The Legend of Chun-Li*, have often failed to resonate with both critics and the dedicated fanbase. The 2026 reboot, however, is approaching the material with a clear strategy: combining star power with casting choices that respect the characters' fighting backgrounds. The inclusion of genuine martial artists like Andrew Koji alongside global icons like Roman Reigns and unique figures like Orville Peck creates an undeniable buzz.

The film is expected to focus on the core rivalry between Ryu and Ken, the global threat of Shadaloo, and Chun-Li's personal mission, all while weaving in the dramatic backstories of characters like Guile and Akuma. With a director known for pushing boundaries and a cast that is both skilled and surprising, the Legendary *Street Fighter* film is positioned to be a major cinematic event, finally delivering the hard-hitting, visually spectacular video game adaptation that fans have waited decades for. The Street Fighter Cinematic Universe may finally be ready for its launch.

The SHOCKING New Street Fighter Movie Cast: Full List, Character Roles, and Everything You Need to Know for the 2026 Reboot
street fighter movie cast
street fighter movie cast

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