Roman Reigns in Talks For Live-Action Street Fighter Reboot, Here’s His Rumored Role
The long‑gestating Street Fighter movie at Legendary Pictures shifted into high gear this week. Deadline reports the studio has begun formal negotiations with a stacked short list that includes former WWE Champion Roman Reigns, action mainstay Jason Momoa, rising star Noah Centineo, Rebel Moon standout Sofia Boutella, You alum Tati Gabrielle, and Scream favorite Mason Gooding.
According to the trade, casting is already pairing actors with signature fighters: Centineo is eyed for Ken Masters, Gooding for Ryu, while Momoa is the leading choice for the iron‑fisted dictator M. Bison.
Industry insider Jeff Sneider added on X that Reigns is in talks to portray Akuma, the franchise’s hulking practitioner of the Satsui no Hado. Boutella and Gabrielle are being discussed for Chun‑Li and Cammy, respectively, though those deals are still in flux.
Director and Creative Team
Legendary has tapped Kitao Sakurai (best known for Bad Trip and episodes of The Eric Andre Show) to direct. Sakurai’s mix of physical comedy and hyper‑stylized action makes him an intriguing fit for translating Hadokens, Sonic Booms, and barrel‑rolling combos into live action.
Street Fighter’s Global Legacy
Capcom introduced Street Fighter to arcades in 1987, but the 1991 sequel Street Fighter II ignited a worldwide craze. Competitive scenes sprouted from Tokyo game centers to American shopping‑mall arcades, turning joystick battles between Ryu and Chun‑Li into schoolyard legend.
That success bled into other media. Action figures, manga, anime films, and—yes—a 1994 live‑action movie starring Jean‑Claude Van Damme as Guile and the late Raúl Juliá as M. Bison followed. Critically panned yet fondly remembered, the film cemented Street Fighter as a pop‑culture touchstone.
The brand remains a pillar of esports. Street Fighter VI headlined tournaments with million‑dollar prize pools in 2023, proving the franchise still moves joysticks and merch three decades after its debut.
Production Timeline and What Comes Next
Legendary aims to lock the principal cast this summer and begin filming in early 2026, with a tentative theatrical release in 2027. If the deals close, Reigns would add Akuma to a growing Hollywood résumé that already features roles in Hobbs & Shaw and the upcoming The Smashing Machine.
Fans should keep an eye on Legendary’s press wires for official casting confirmations. Until then, the idea of the Tribal Chief donning Akuma’s trademark beads and fiery aura is more than enough to keep the FGC and wrestling Twitter buzzing.