In an exciting development for fans of both wrestling and gaming, WWE Superstars Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes are set to join the cast of the upcoming Street Fighter movie. Reports indicate that Reigns will portray Akuma, while Rhodes is confirmed to take on the role of Guile.
The film is being produced by Legendary, Sony, and Capcom, and directed by Kitao Sakurai, with its release slated for 2026. This cinematic adaptation is based on the iconic video game series, which has been captivating audiences since its inception in 1987, particularly gaining prominence with the release of Street Fighter II in 1991. The franchise has previously seen a film adaptation, with a 1994 release featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme as Guile, which has since become a cult classic.
Cody Rhodes is preparing for his second major film role, with his first appearance in The Naked Gun due to hit theaters next month. Meanwhile, Roman Reigns, while not extensively experienced in Hollywood, is part of a strategic casting aimed at drawing in a significant audience by leveraging their popularity in WWE.
Their rivalry in the ring adds an interesting layer to their onscreen presence, having faced each other in the high-profile WrestleMania main events. Rhodes recently claimed victory over Reigns for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40, only to face a rematch against the newly villainous John Cena at SummerSlam in August after losing the title at WrestleMania 41.
The film will also see other notable names, including rapper 50 Cent as Balrog, Jason Momoa as Blanka, and comedian Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki, promising a blend of talent that could enhance the revitalization of this beloved franchise.
The combination of talented wrestlers and a renowned gaming series reflects a thoughtful approach to cinematic adaptations, which may lead to a success much like the original video game series, bringing together communities and generating excitement ahead of its release.