The first look at the new live-action Street Fighter movie was released during The Game Awards 2025. And it’s loud, deliberately goofy, and proudly free. Watch the preview trailer above to read more, see the cast taking the stage at this year’s Game Awards below, and scroll down to see 17 different character posters.
Neon-filled arcade-style first look
Running just 45 seconds, the teaser wastes no time in making its intentions clear. Set in 1993, this version of Street Fighter focuses on the look and energy of classic games, with characters appearing as if they came straight out of an arcade character selection screen. A decidedly stupid beat involving fists flying, bodies destroying the environment, and cars being smashed to pieces is an obvious nod to the iconic Street Fighter II bonus stage.
The story centers on estranged warriors Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo), who are reunited when Chun-Li (Karina Liang) scouts them for the upcoming World Warrior Tournament. The setting hints at a deeper conspiracy that forces the pair to confront each other and their shared past, while under the brawl promises that losing this battle means more than just defeat.
In addition to Koji, Centineo, and Liang, the film assembles an eclectic lineup that mixes actors, wrestlers, and musicians into an intentionally over-the-top ensemble. Roman Reigns plays Akuma, Cody Rhodes controls Guile’s towering flattop, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson plays boxing villain Balrog, Orville Peck plays Vega, and Jason Momoa plays Blanka.
Elsewhere, the chaotic presence of David Dastmalchian’s caped M. Bison, Andrew Schultz’s Dan Hibiki, and Eric Andre reinforce the sense that this film isn’t about restraint. Whether it’s all consistent is another question, but the teaser suggests the movie is betting big on camp, spectacle, and commitment to the bit.
Kitao Sakurai makes his third swing for the team.
Directed by Bad Trip filmmaker Kitao Sakurai, the film is the third live-action feature in the series, following 1994’s Jean-Claude Van Damme-led cult antics and 2009’s widely maligned The Legend of Chun-Li. Sakurai took over after Australian directors the Philippow brothers (Talk to Me, Bring Her Back) withdrew from the project in 2024, with Paramount taking over distribution from Sony following the expiration of Sony’s contract with Legendary.
This sneak peek suggests a clear tonal decision. Rather than building on its source material, Street Fighter embraces its inherent silliness and exaggerated mythology. Whether that gamble ultimately yields a film worthy of the series’ legacy will be determined when Street Fighter opens in Australian cinemas on October 15, 2026, and in US cinemas on October 16.
