In a high-octane surprise that electrified the gaming world, the first trailer for The Street Fighter Movie made its world premiere at The Game Awards on Thursday night, promising a wild, nostalgic ride through the iconic fighting franchise's universe. The assembled cast took to the stage to unveil the footage, setting the tone for what appears to be a bold, unapologetically fun adaptation that leans hard into the series' arcade roots.
The trailer, which clocks in at just over two minutes, thrusts viewers into a vibrant 1993 setting that pays homage to the groundbreaking Street Fighter II from 1991. With a color palette bursting in bold primaries and a tongue-in-cheek humor that doesn't pretend to be anything other than gloriously over-the-top, the preview teases a globe-trotting tale of rivalries, redemption, and ridiculous feats of combat. Fighters clash in exotic locales, from neon-lit streets to misty dojos, all underscored by a thumping remix of the classic game soundtrack that evokes instant nostalgia. One standout moment features a character unleashing a gravity-defying flash kick amid a hail of pyrotechnics, signaling that this film is more interested in delivering spectacle than subtlety.
At its core, The Street Fighter Movie follows the timeless rivalries and alliances that define the franchise, blending high-stakes martial arts with a self-aware wink to its video game origins. Early glimpses suggest a narrative centered on the eternal clash between wandering warriors and shadowy organizations, complete with signature moves like Hadoukens and Spinning Bird Kicks reimagined for the big screen in explosive, practical-effects-heavy sequences. The trailer's big, bright, and downright silly vibe positions it as a love letter to fans, capturing the chaotic energy of quarter-munching arcade sessions without a hint of solemnity.
Credit:
Legendary Pictures / Capcom / Paramount Pictures
The film's ensemble is a powerhouse mix of action stars, comedians, wrestlers, and rising talents, each bringing their unique flair to Capcom's legendary roster. Here's a look at the key players stepping into the ring:
Andrew Koji as Ryu
Noah Centineo as Ken Masters
Callina Liang as Chun-Li
Mel Jarnson as Cammy
Jason Momoa as Blanka
Roman Reigns as Akuma
Olivier Richters as Zangief
Hirooki Goto as E. Honda
Vidyut Jammwal as Dhalsim
Orville Peck as Vega
David Dastmalchian as M. Bison
Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki
Eric André as Don Sauvage
Cody Rhodes as Guile
(Note: Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is also on board as Balrog, though he was absent from the stage presentation.) This diverse lineup, spanning Hollywood heavyweights and international athletes, promises chemistry as electric as a Sonic Boom special move.
Produced under the Sony Pictures banner, The Street Fighter Movie is directed by John Wick helmer Chad Stahelski, who brings his signature blend of balletic violence and innovative choreography to the project. Producers include Dune's Mary Parent and The Raid's Louis Leterrier, ensuring the adaptation packs a punch both visually and narratively. Filming wrapped principal photography earlier this year, with post-production ramping up to meet the studio's ambitious timeline.
Mark your calendars: the film is slated for a theatrical release on October 16, 2026, positioning it as a prime fall blockbuster contender. As the credits rolled on the trailer, the crowd at The Game Awards erupted in cheers, a testament to the enduring appeal of Street Fighter's world of warriors.
This marks yet another swing at bringing the franchise to live-action glory. There have been a couple of live-action films based on the series prior to this one, including the 1994 cult classic where Jean-Claude Van Damme embodied the drill-haired heroism of Guile opposite Raul Julia's unforgettable M. Bison. While those efforts captured the era's campy charm, The Street Fighter Movie aims to evolve the formula with modern effects and a cast primed for viral moments.
With its radical energy and faithful-yet-fresh approach, this adaptation could finally deliver the knockout punch Street Fighter fans have been waiting for. Stay tuned for more updates as the hype builds toward next year's showdown.
Source: The Game Awards
