Casting plays a pivotal role in the success of any film, often determining its overall impact. Recently, the significance of casting has been especially pronounced in the realm of franchise and IP entertainment. As studios increasingly rely on well-known brands to attract audiences, there’s a noticeable trend toward uninspired casting choices. The current video game adaptations trend has led studios to seek out well-known actors to validate concepts like Minecraft and Super Mario Bros.. When the announcement surfaced about a new movie based on the legendary Street Fighter franchise from Capcom, many anticipated a lackluster approach featuring typical action heroes. However, the producers chose an unexpected lineup, casting Jason Momoa, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Andrew Schulz, Cody Rhodes, and David Dastmalchian. Given that this is Street Fighter, embracing the absurdity seems to be the right approach.

Exploring How ‘Street Fighter’ is Riding the Wave of the Video Game Movie Phenomenon

In the wake of the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and A Minecraft Movie, studios are increasingly viewing video games as the next lucrative trend, akin to how superhero franchises were treated two decades ago. Expect an onslaught of adaptations as every popular game and even toy brands—especially after the success of Barbie—is primed for cinematic exploitation. Just as with superhero films, the passionate fanbases behind these childhood favorites often demand a serious approach, which can lead to overly self-serious tones and the casting of the same familiar action stars (often one of the ‘Chrises’) attempting to elevate what is fundamentally a lighthearted premise into a high-stakes blockbuster.

The anticipated Street Fighter film, currently in pre-production and scheduled for a 2026 release, marks yet another attempt to bring this beloved franchise to the big screen. The 1994 adaptation featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme as Guile, while initially panned, has since garnered a cult following and is often regarded as a camp classic—celebrated for its so-bad-it’s-good charm. Though it may not be hailed as a masterpiece or a culturally significant film, its unique appeal lies in its ability to embrace the absurdity of its premise. Given that the fighting game is relatively light on plot and filled with a diverse cast of quirky characters, it challenges filmmakers to replicate its playful spirit instead of strictly adhering to established lore.

Unpacking the Eccentric and Inspired Casting Choices for ‘Street Fighter’

At this point, the vision of director Kitao Sakurai—who has taken over from the Bring Her Back duo of Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou—remains largely a mystery. However, the cast for the upcoming film, produced by Legendary and Sony in collaboration with Capcom, indicates a clever embrace of the campy essence of the source material. Ever since audiences recognized that beneath his rugged exterior, Jason Momoa possesses a comedic side, his casting as the ferocious Blanka taps into the wildly energetic vibe reminiscent of his role in Aquaman.

Momoa’s casting is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this intriguing ensemble, which features country music star Orville Peck alongside professional wrestlers Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, portraying Vega, Guile, and Akuma, respectively. The film also showcases hip-hop representation with 50 Cent as Balrog. While comedian Andrew Schulz‘s portrayal of Dan Hibiki remains an enigma, it promises to introduce a chaotic energy that fans of Street Fighter will likely appreciate, offering an experience not confined by the conventional expectations typically tied to franchise films. For those seeking authenticity in the fighting sequences, the cast is rounded out with acclaimed martial artist Andrew Koji taking on the role of the protagonist, Ryu.

The most remarkable casting decision undoubtedly involves David Dastmalchian as the formidable antagonist, M. Bison. Dastmalchian has demonstrated his talent as a character actor through compelling performances in films like Ant-Man, Dune, and Oppenheimer. Although not the obvious choice for a main villain in a video game adaptation, he is primed to deliver a standout performance. While he excels as a versatile supporting player, Dastmalchian possesses the ability to inject profound emotional weight and theatrical flair into any scene he inhabits.

Before discovering the wildly unconventional cast list for the new Street Fighter, it was easy to dismiss the film as just another cash grab exploiting established IP. However, with this eclectic ensemble of actors from various entertainment backgrounds, the upcoming 2026 release has the potential to become a uniquely offbeat franchise starter amidst a sea of familiar, formulaic brand extensions.