Capcom and Legendary Pictures are building their cast for the upcoming live-action Street Fighter movie, with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson joining as Balrog the Boxer, a character aligned with the villain M. Bison. This casting news was first reported by Nexus Point News and appears to be confirmed by 50 Cent himself via Instagram.
In addition, Callina Liang, known for her role in Steven Soderbergh’s Presence, has been cast as Chun-Li, an Interpol officer and adversary to Bison and his organization, Shadaloo. This casting brings together a diverse group that includes Andrew Koji, Noah Centineo, Jason Momoa, Roman Reigns, and Orville Peck, heightening interest in the movie despite some skepticism from longtime fans of the franchise.
Critics have voiced concerns over the casting choices, suggesting that the lineup may prioritize star power over acting talent. Comparisons have been made to the original 1994 film, which featured Jean Claude Van Damme as Guile and became known for its mixed reviews and meme potential. Many are left hoping that the producers will secure a standout actor akin to Raul Julia, who left a significant impact as M. Bison in the original film.
The new film, directed by Kitao Sakurai, is yet to announce a release date. Initially slated for March 2026, it has since faced delays, leaving fans eager for further updates.
While the casting choices may raise eyebrows, there remains optimism that the film could evolve into a fresh interpretation that attracts both old fans and new audiences, standing apart from its predecessor. With the right talent and direction, there’s potential for this adaptation to resonate and perhaps even redefine the genre of video game movies.