Street Fighter brings the World Warrior Tournament to theaters in 2026.
Paramount Pictures and Legendary Pictures will unleash Street Fighter in theaters on Oct. 16, 2026. The new film adapts Capcom’s iconic video game franchise and delivers a 1993-set story packed with fan-favorite fighters, high-stakes grudges, and a global conspiracy that pushes the tournament to the edge.
First launched in 1987, Street Fighter became one of the most influential fighting games of all time, shaping arcade culture and inspiring decades of sequels, spinoffs, and competitive play. Hollywood first attempted a live-action adaptation in 1994 with Jean-Claude Van Damme and Raúl Julia. The film has since gained cult status despite mixed reviews, and the franchise has remained a challenge to translate to the big screen. This new version aims to update the story with greater fidelity to the games and a tone that reflects the series’ global impact.
Director Kitao Sakurai leads the project, bringing the World Warrior Tournament to life with a gritty, character-driven approach that honors the franchise’s legacy.
A New Take on Ryu and Ken
The story centers on estranged martial artists Ryu, played by Andrew Koji, and Ken Masters, played by Noah Centineo. The two fighters are pulled back into conflict when Chun-Li, portrayed by Callina Liang, recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament. The competition forces the former partners to confront buried trauma and a threat that endangers the entire roster.
According to the synopsis, a deadly conspiracy shadows the tournament, pushing Ryu and Ken toward an inevitable showdown. If they fail to face both their enemies and their shared past, “it’s game over.”
A Massive Ensemble of Fan Favorites
Sakurai’s film assembles an eclectic cast. Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoai plays Akuma, David Dastmalchian is M. Bison, Cody Rhodes is Guile, and Andrew Schulz appears as Dan Hibiki. Vidyut Jammwal plays Dhalsim, with Eric André as Don Sauvage.
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson appears as Balrog, while Jason Momoa transforms into Blanka. The cast also includes Orville Peck as Vega, Olivier Richters as Zangief, Hirooki Goto as E. Honda, and Mel Jarnson as Cammy. Additional roles feature Rayna Vallandingham as Juli, Alexander Volkanovski as Joe, and Kyle Mooney as Marvin.
Arcade Action on the Big Screen
The film promises Hadoukens, Spinning Bird Kicks, roundhouses, and a faithful translation of the game’s style. The 1993 setting brings a nostalgic lens to the World Warrior Tournament, while the story aims to blend character-driven drama with spectacle.
Street Fighter hits theaters Oct. 16, 2026.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
