The upcoming Street Fighter movie has sparked excitement with an impressive cast bringing the iconic video game characters to life, featuring Jason Momoa as Blanka. Director Kitao Sakurai’s film includes Andrew Koji as Ryu, Noah Centineo as Ken, WWE stars Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes playing Akuma and Guile respectively, 50 Cent as Balrog, and Callina Liang as Chun-Li. This fresh adaptation is generating buzz as fans eagerly anticipate how the mixed martial arts fighters will translate from game to screen.
Blanka, who first appeared in 1991 as a beastly, electrifying brawler famous for curling into a ball to attack, is being portrayed by Momoa, a seasoned action star known for his roles in Aquaman and the upcoming Lobo. Momoa has expressed strong confidence in his ability to embody this fierce Brazilian character, promising a mix of practical effects and CGI to deliver a satisfying representation for the audience.
Momoa’s Dedication to Bringing Blanka to Life
In a recent conversation with The Playlist during the promotion of The Chief of War, Momoa made it clear he is fully committed to this role. He emphasized the authenticity he aims to bring, assuring that the production will balance visual effects with practical action to do justice to the character’s legacy. Momoa also reflected on his personal connection to the game, highlighting that both he and his son are fans of Street Fighter, making this role even more meaningful.
There’s no one better to play Blanka, so that’s why I’m doing it,
Momoa said.
We’ll do what the audience would like to see — practical, CG — we’re gonna do our best. The cast is insane. My son and I play it; it’s the only game I played.
— Jason Momoa, Actor
Street Fighter’s Star-Studded Cast and Rising Expectations
The combination of well-known actors, including WWE personalities Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, alongside musicians like 50 Cent, who has already transformed markedly to play Balrog, has created strong anticipation. The cast seeks to inject new energy into the franchise while respecting the source material. This level of star power, paired with footage still yet to be released, has already captivated fans who are eager to see how the story and character dynamics will unfold on the big screen.
Though video game adaptations have had mixed success historically, recent films such as Sonic, Mario, The Last of Us, and Fallout have raised the bar, showing that faithful and exciting adaptations can connect with broad audiences. Momoa’s previous role in a video game-based project garnered significant box office returns, suggesting that this project may replicate or even exceed that success if executed well.
Anticipation Builds for Street Fighter’s Theatrical Release
The film is scheduled for release on October 16, 2026, giving both fans and newcomers a date to mark on their calendars. With Momoa’s enthusiastic portrayal of Blanka and a cast that blends diverse talents from wrestling, music, and acting, the project aims to reinvigorate the Street Fighter franchise for a new generation. Industry watchers and fans alike will be closely following production updates as the release date approaches, hoping to see a fresh, action-packed celebration of this beloved game.
