The first teaser for the new Street Fighter live-action film has debuted at the 2025 Game Awards, introducing the cast and the movie’s 1993-set storyline.
Fans of one of the most iconic fighting franchises of all time finally have something big to celebrate. A brand-new teaser trailer for the upcoming Street Fighter live-action movie has been released, offering the first official look at Chun-Li, Ken, Ryu, and several other legendary characters brought to life on the big screen. The trailer premiered during the 2025 Game Awards, where members of the cast appeared on stage to present the film and energize an already hyped audience.
This new adaptation marks one of the most ambitious attempts yet to capture the spirit of Capcom’s beloved franchise, and based on the initial footage, the film aims to blend nostalgia, action, and a darker storyline set in the early ’90s.
A Retro Setting With High Stakes: Inside the Story
The upcoming film takes viewers back to 1993, grounding the story in the era when the original games first dominated arcades. According to the official synopsis, former allies Ryu, played by Andrew Koji, and Ken Masters, portrayed by Noah Centineo, find themselves forced into a reunion neither of them expects.
The storyline kicks into motion when the enigmatic Chun-Li, played by Callina Liang, recruits them for the World Warrior Tournament — a deadly global competition where elite fighters face off in brutal combat. But what appears to be a straightforward martial arts showdown is quickly revealed to be something much more sinister.
Behind the scenes, a dangerous conspiracy threatens not just the fighters but the world itself. Ryu and Ken must confront old wounds, hidden agendas, and even each other as they navigate a tournament fueled by power, secrets, and fate. As the synopsis warns, “If they don’t, it’s game over.”
With themes of rivalry, redemption, and internal struggle, the film appears poised to explore the emotional and psychological depth of the characters in a way fans have long wanted from a live-action adaptation.
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A Star-Studded Cast Brings Classic Characters to Life
The cast list is stacked with surprising, exciting, and bold choices that have quickly become a talking point among fans. Along with Koji, Centineo, and Liang, the ensemble features:
- Cody Rhodes as Guile
- Orville Peck as Vega
- 50 Cent as Balrog
- Jason Momoa as Blanka
- Vidyut Jammwal as Dhalsim
- Oliver Richters as Zangief
- Hirooki Goto as E. Honda
- David Dastmalchian as M. Bison
- Roman Reigns as Akuma
- Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki
- Eric André as Don Sauvage
- Mel Jarnson as Cammy
- Rayna Vallandingham as Juli
- Alexander Volkanovski as Joe
The range of performers—from heavyweight fighters and WWE stars to dramatic actors and musicians—suggests a creative approach to casting that prioritizes both physicality and personality. Jason Momoa as Blanka and Roman Reigns as Akuma, in particular, have already sparked conversation online due to their striking physical resemblance to the characters.
A Vision Led by Kitao Sakurai
Behind the camera, director Kitao Sakurai brings a unique perspective. Known for visually bold storytelling and genre experimentation, Sakurai is expected to deliver a film that respects the Street Fighter legacy while pushing it into new cinematic territory.
The screenplay is written by Dalan Musson, whose previous work includes action-heavy, character-driven narratives. Together, Sakurai and Musson aim to balance fan-favorite character elements with grounded storytelling and high-energy fight choreography.
A Collaboration Between Legendary, Capcom, and Paramount
The film is co-produced by Legendary Entertainment in partnership with Capcom, the Japanese video game studio that created the Street Fighter series. Their collaboration ensures that the adaptation carries authentic elements from the games, including character backstories, costume details, and signature fighting styles.
Distribution is handled by Paramount Pictures, positioning the movie for a major global theatrical release.
A Long-Awaited Cinematic Revival
This new adaptation arrives decades after earlier attempts to bring the franchise to life. The 1994 Street Fighter film, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Raul Julia, developed its own cult following but didn’t fully capture the essence of the games. Later adaptations struggled to gain momentum or match fan expectations.
Now, with modern filmmaking technology, a diverse and physical cast, and strong studio backing, this new live-action installment is shaping up to be the franchise’s most faithful and ambitious film yet.
The teaser trailer hints at dramatic lighting, stylized environments, and intense fight sequences reminiscent of the games’ dramatic flair. Fans also got quick glimpses of character costumes and action setups that pay homage to classic moves and rivalries.
When Does ‘Street Fighter’ Hit Theaters?
The movie is scheduled for release on October 16, 2026, giving the production ample time to build anticipation through trailers, character reveals, and behind-the-scenes content. With nearly a year and a half until release, the teaser trailer is just the beginning of a long promotional journey.
Given the franchise’s massive global fanbase, expectations are sky-high. If the early footage is any indication, the film might finally deliver the cinematic treatment fans have been hoping for since the ’90s.
