The only time there’s been a good Street Fighter project has been the animated movies. The cartoon TV series was mediocre at best, and Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li was lacking. The 1994 film is fun, and Raúl Juliá was great. However, no one is watching that project for “absolute cinema.” Thankfully, the trend of unwatchable Street Fighter movies could come to an end.
Halo, Super Mario Bros, and The Last of Us proved that video game movies and shows can be good. All that’s needed is the right creative team and cast. Roman Reigns and Jason Momoa being rumored is a step in the right direction. Now all that’s needed are the characters to be properly cast. Here’s who should be picked to make sure this movie is a success.
Roman Reigns as M. Bison
Roman Reigns became one of the greatest professional wrestlers in a short amount of time thanks to his improved acting skills. His justified arrogance and the way he talked trash have continued to be fantastic even after his reign of dominance ended. All of that makes him the perfect person to play M. Bison.
Picture Roman as M. Bison calmly watching as Ryu or Chun Li make their way to him. And even after they get to him, he’s still on his throne because they’re nothing to him. He smiles at their hubris because they think they can beat him. Then, he stands and starts fighting. Who could do that better than him?
Jason Momoa as Dan Hibiki
Yes, this seems off because Dan is known as a coward, but that’s the point. Jason Momoa would be a hilarious person to play Dan. He’s consistently shown his comedic side, like in the video above. While he could play other characters with depth like Sagat, this would be more entertaining.
Dave Bautista as Sagat
Dave Bautista is the most beloved wrestler-turned-actor. He became this by being professional and continuing to improve as a performer. Since the role of Sagat requires a convincing fighter with depth, there’s no finer pick than him.
Besides being a trained mixed martial artist, Bautista's age is an advantage, too. Sagat wasn’t young when he fought and lost to Ryu. That means the same should remain the same in a movie.
Naomi Scott as Cammy
Cammy isn’t crucial to the Street Fighter story, but there’s potential for her to be. If that’s going to happen, she has to be played by someone who can attract attention. Naomi Scott did that in Power Rangers, Aladdin, and Smile 2. She could do that again as Bison’s clone or someone in MI6 (or both).
Winston Duke as Balrog
Balrog should be one of Bison's three bosses in a Street Fighter movie (Sagat and Vega being the other two). He doesn’t have to be one of the important characters, but he should be played by someone who’s believably tough. Winston Duke is the right person to do that. Additionally, it would be cool to see Balrog not be an idiot or a stereotype. Winston Duke can ensure that.
John Cena as Guile
There are a lot of action stars who can play Guile, but give it to John Cena. He’s played the All-America and military role a bunch of times and done it well. He’s also a recognized face that will get people into the theaters. And let's be honest. We can all picture him with the ridiculous blonde high-top.
Miroslav Petrov Barnyashev (Rusev) as Zangief
Zangief has been a goof in the game's story and an underrated character for players. Keeping with that theme, you have former AEW performer and current WWE superstar Rusev.
Rusev can play the goof (he did this with Rusev Day), but also be intimidating (check out his first run for that). I can’t think of a better person to play him. Since he's a wrestler, the role isn't too far out of his wheelhouse.
Jacob Fatu as Blanka
Jacob Fatu is known as one of the most intimidating wrestlers in the WWE. As he likes to say, “He’s all gas, and no brakes,” and that’s everything people love about Blanka. Casting him could be the start of something great for Jacob’s career outside of wrestling. He may never become Dave Bautista or Dwayne Johnson, but he could create something new and great playing the wild beast of the Brazilian Amazon.
Young Mazino as Ryu
I was beyond impressed with Young Mazino in HBO’s The Last of Us, and his performance there is what makes him a good pick. He showed the ability to have a stoic demeanor, righteous anger, and happiness. He has a good build for Ryu, too. All will work when playing the greatest 1-on-1 video game character. The fighting part won’t be easy, but he has the hard part down.
Stephanie Hsu as Chun Li
The one thing that the previous Street Fighter movie got right was the importance of Chun Li. Whoever plays her must be a good actor, someone who can take the role seriously, but not so much that they’d overact. Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once and Joy Ride) is the perfect pick and would fit in with any cast members.
An underrated quality she'd add is her ability to light up a scene. When things get dark (and they will), she could come in and remind viewers that this is supposed to be a fun action flick.
Crucial characters left out
You’ll notice a lot of characters have been left out. If I’m being honest, I couldn’t think of actors to play certain characters. Ken Masters, Dhalsim, and Akuma are only some of the fighters that need to be in the Street Fighter project. As time goes on, there will be more articles about who should be cast. Until then, let us know on the Bam Smack Pow social media pages (Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter) who you would cast.