By Neesin Williams
Round one of Street Fighter delivers a near-perfect combo of casting, video game authenticity, and nostalgia that will have fans ready to smash the buttons for tickets to round two. This is the kind of adaptation that understands its audience, embraces the characters that made the franchise iconic, and brings enough personality to the action to make the experience feel like a victory.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”
Set in 1993, director Kitao Sakurai’s Street Fighter follows estranged fighters Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo), whose legendary brotherhood is put to the test when the mysterious Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament. What begins as a competition among the world’s greatest fighters soon reveals a dangerous conspiracy that threatens to turn old friends into enemies.
Unlike its 1994 predecessor, this Street Fighter feels much closer to the world of Street Fighter II Turbo, embracing the personalities, fighting styles, and larger-than-life characters that helped make the games a global phenomenon.
Ryu and Ken Are the Perfect Tag Team
At the center of the film is the brotherhood, and more importantly, the bromance between Ryu and Ken Masters. Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo are an excellent pairing, delivering the kind of chemistry that fans of the video games could only hope to see translated to the big screen.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”
Both actors bring something different to the relationship, creating a dynamic that balances humor, heart, and impressive fighting ability. Their personalities complement each other, making their friendship just as entertaining as the battles surrounding them.
Koji and Centineo practically double-jump off the screen together. They are funny, heartfelt, and convincing as fighters who share a complicated history. Even when the tournament threatens to put them on opposite sides, the movie gives audiences plenty of reasons to root for both men.
That connection is essential to the film’s success. Street Fighter may be built around combat, but the friendship between Ryu and Ken gives the story its emotional foundation.
A Knockout Roster of Familiar Faces
Casting is the first of many major wins for Street Fighter, and the film makes excellent use of its impressive roster.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”
Joe Anoa’i, better known to WWE fans as Roman Reigns, takes on the role of Akuma, the legendary hidden boss. Anoa’i taps into elements of his intimidating Tribal Chief persona while introducing a supernatural presence that makes Akuma particularly menacing. Imagine a mob boss crossed with The Undertaker, and you get a sense of the energy he brings to the character.
Fellow WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes also makes a strong impression as Guile. In the games, Guile’s personality rarely extends far beyond his military background, but Rhodes gives him additional charm and personality. His witty, charismatic performance offers a different flavor from the good ol’ boy image wrestling audiences have come to associate with him throughout his career, including his time helping launch WWE rival AEW in 2019.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”
Then there is Callina Liang as Chun-Li, who emerges as the film’s breakout star. As an Interpol operative, Chun-Li brings a different perspective to the tournament and the larger conspiracy. Liang has the presence to stand alongside the film’s biggest personalities while making the iconic character her own.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog, Jason Momoa as Blanka, David Dastmalchian as M. Bison, and Eric André as Don Sauvage, among many others. It is a lineup that demonstrates just how much personality exists within the Street Fighter universe.
The casting is a knockout, but the chemistry between the characters is what makes this adaptation feel like a genuine celebration of the games.
The ’90s Are Back in Fighting Form
One of the movie’s greatest strengths is how confidently it embraces its early ’90s setting. From the visual presentation to the soundtrack, Street Fighter captures the attitude and energy of the era without feeling like it is simply checking boxes for nostalgia.
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The film features shots that recall the style of ’90s action movies, stages that look like they were pulled straight out of the video games, and enough anime energy to make longtime fans feel right at home.
That attention to the source material matters. Video game adaptations can sometimes struggle to capture what made their original properties special, but Street Fighter understands that recognizable characters and fighting styles are only part of the equation. The presentation, personalities, and atmosphere all need to come together.
Here, they do.
The soundtrack also helps establish the mood, giving the action and character introductions an additional burst of energy. Between the music, familiar environments, and tournament atmosphere, the movie delivers the kind of nostalgic experience that makes you want to pull your old jean jacket out of the closet, pop the collar, and head straight back to the arcade.
Yet the appeal is not limited to longtime fans. The cast’s chemistry and the movie’s willingness to have fun with its premise give newcomers something to enjoy beyond recognizing their favorite fighters.
Ready for Round Two
Street Fighter succeeds because it understands what people love about the franchise and gives them plenty of it. The casting works, the action embraces the spirit of the games, and the relationships between the characters make the tournament worth following.
A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER”
Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo deliver a winning partnership, Cody Rhodes brings unexpected personality to Guile, and Callina Liang establishes herself as a standout. With Roman Reigns adding a menacing supernatural presence as Akuma, the film has the kind of roster that makes fans excited about what could come next.
Most importantly, Street Fighter never forgets to be entertaining. It embraces its video game roots, celebrates the decade that helped define the franchise, and gives audiences a reason to start thinking about another round.
Street Fighter delivers the perfect combination of nostalgia, action, and personality, making round one a victory worth celebrating.
Now bring on round two!
WATCH: STREET FIGHTER CAST INTERVIEW
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I’m a dedicated aficionado of all things movies, pop culture, and entertainment. With a passion for storytelling and a love for the silver screen, I’m constantly immersed in the world of cinema, exploring new releases, classics, and hidden gems alike. As a fervent advocate for the power of film to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, I enjoy sharing my insights, reviews, and recommendations with fellow enthusiasts.