Street Fighter Movie Characters Who Might Steal the Entire Show

The upcoming Street Fighter film has released a full-length trailer, and fans are beginning to clamour for more information. Hollywood has had a lot of video game adaptations of late, and it is becoming clear just how seriously they’re taking them. Mario and Sonic are examples of classic characters being transformed for full Hollywood franchises.

But Street Fighter has always been different. Hollywood have released two previous live-action adaptations of the series, and failed pretty clearly both times. This time might just be different, and the wealth of exciting, scene-stealing characters they’re bringing to life explain why.

8 Ryu

Classic Character Turned Exhausted Hero

From the trailer for the new Street Fighter movie, it appears Ryu and Ken Masters are very much the protagonists, and Andrew Koji will be taking on the role of Ryu. This notable hero is shown using his incredible powers in the trailer, and having a comedic reunion with Ken Masters.

Andrew Koji is a great actor, and this is a chance for a next-level break-out for him. Ryu, as a worn fighter not as interested in battling anymore, could be a relatable and instantly lovable character to fans of the film. Personally, Ryu has always been one of my favourite Street Fighter characters, so I’m especially excited to see Koji take on the role.

7 Akuma

A True WWE-Sized Beast

Although he wasn’t very visible in the trailer for Street Fighter, Roman Reigns of WWE fame will be taking on the role of Akuma in the film. This is an exciting development as Reigns is a true beast, with uncharted levels of aura in his WWE character. As such, we can expect Akuma to be a terrifying on-screen presence.

There has been speculation among fans that the plot could involve Ken Masters and Ryu coming together to seek revenge on Akuma for slaying their master, similar to Street Fighter 2 Turbo. When he finally appears, expect the aura-farming to be crazy, and the character to immediately become a huge fan favourite. Akuma has always terrified me, and I can expect a similar fear for him with Reigns taking the reins.

6 Balrog

A Highlight Reel in the Trailer

With a great name that might make you think he’s something other than human, Balrog is the character 50-Cent is taking on in the Street Fighter movie. Originally modelled after (and almost named) Mike Tyson, this character is a very fun, hard-hitting boxer with plenty of attitude. 50-Cent playing him only adds to the intrigue this character is generating in fans ahead of the film’s release.

We get a couple of shots in the trailer of Balrog. One shows him drinking and looking fierce, a little aura farming shot more than anything. The other shows him hitting Ken Masters with a brutal punch, which could indicate that Masters previously had a loss to Balrog, or will be struggling against him in a tournament match. Either way, Balrog is a character to look out for as a devastating fighter!

5 Guile

Comedic, Fierce, Crazed?

The lead character in the 1994 Street Fighter film, when he was played by Jean Claude Van Damme, Guile looks more over-the-top than anybody in the new film. From the crazy hairstyle making an appearance, to the actor chosen being another wrestler in WWE World Champion Cody Rhodes, I and many other fans are fascinated by what he might bring to the table.

From the trailer, Guile has the look, and will possibly get a surprising focus as a comedic character. The scene where he appears to be threatening another fighter and whispering "BOOM" in his ear gives off the energy that he’ll be an over-the-top, but still threatening, presence in the film. I’m thrilled to see somebody I’m a fan of taking on this bizarre role, and could see him being a real stand-out in the movie.

4 Ken Masters

The Beloved Party Boy

Ken Masters will be the other major lead of the new Street Fighter movie. Played by Noah Centineo, who has won fans over with his appearances in various Netflix shows and films, this is a likely breakout role for Centineo as he looks to step his career up to mega-star level.

Shown in the trailer as a former fighter turned partier, Masters has lost his way and Chun-Li brings him back to the fold for the tournament. This hero journey will be a fascinating one to watch, and will make it easy to root for Masters as he tries to get back to the top through struggle and hardship. I’ve always been a big Ken Masters guy when playing the Street Fighter games, and I’m thrilled to see the film focusing on him, and love the look Centineo is bringing to the beloved role.

3 Cammy

The Infamous Sass Machine

Cammy is one of the most notable Street Fighter characters for her residency as one of gaming’s original sex symbols, but she’s so much more than that: an elite fighter, a strong sense of justice, a dark past. What’s more, the Street Fighter movie looks like it’ll explore fascinating elements of Cammy’s backstory (her Killer Bee side perhaps?).

From the trailer, it looks like actor Mel Jarnson has the vibe of Cammy down, and is bringing sass to the table, particularly when she puts down Chun-Li’s thighs as “nothing special." This interaction alone got me excited to see these two throw down in the film, which will predictably occur as the trailer highlights them as immediate rivals. Cammy has been a scene-stealer for her entire existence, she has frequently appeared in previous adaptations, and Mel Jarnson has already got the style required down, having previously played Nitara in the 2021 Mortal Kombat movie.

2 Blanka

Jason Momoa, Enough Said

Unquestionably, when Jason Momoa is on-screen, his very presence turns his character into a scene-stealer. Despite having what might amount to a small role as Lobo in the upcoming Supergirl film, his inclusion in the cast has attracted many eyes. The same can be said for his role in the Street Fighter movie as the green beast, Blanka.

Though we didn’t get a good look at him in the latest trailer, fans will be clamouring come October when the film hits screens to see Momoa’s take on this role. Blanka has always been a fan favourite Street Fighter character, and Momoa taking on the role will encourage many fans around the world to see Momoa's spin on the iconic challenger.

1 Chun-Li

The MVP Every Time

Although the Street Fighter film looks to focus on Ken Masters and Ryu reuniting, it is Chun-Li who directs everything occurring in the film. She seeks out the other fighters, seems to be playing a large role in putting the tournament together, and she’ll also be fighting from the looks of things in the trailer. As long as anyone can remember, Chun-Li has been the “first lady of fighting games” and the biggest fan favourite Street Fighter character.

The look of Canadian actor Callina Liang as Chun-Li in the trailer for the Street Fighter film has fans on the edge of their seat, desperate to see how she takes on the infamous role. Chun-Li will, in my humble opinion, be the MVP of the film, as she has always been for the gaming franchise, and will steal the show with her humour, her rage, and her style. It will be a dream come true for many fans to see this level of focus given to Chun-Li in live-action, and I’m convinced Liang won’t let us down in the role.