To quote the band Queen: “Is that this the actual life? Is that this simply fantasy?” I solely ask as a result of not solely am I extraordinarily optimistic for the subsequent Mortal Kombat film, however after seeing the latest casting for Legendary’s upcoming Street Fighter movie, I’m additionally extraordinarily enthusiastic for that film as effectively!
And like, how did this occur? I imply, sure, I do have a mushy spot for the ‘90s Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat motion pictures, however I’m additionally completely okay with calling them “dangerous” (I imply, so-bad-they’re good, positive, however nonetheless “dangerous”). So, to suppose that I’d get a extremely good Mortal Kombat film, AND a extremely good Street Fighter film within the not-too-distant future? Nicely, like I mentioned earlier than, it simply doesn’t appear actual.
However, whereas Mortal Kombat 2 has already screened (and apparently knocked it out of the park), we solely actually have some of the solid confirmed for this upcoming Street Fighter movie. Be that as it might, I nonetheless have extraordinarily excessive hopes, and I feel that this may lastly be the time once they get it proper in terms of a Street Fighter film. Right here’s why.
First Off, They Are Placing Dan Hibiki In This Movie, Which Means They’re Going For The Deep Cuts
Look, once I initially heard that Ryu (Andrew Koji), Ken (Noah Centineo), Chun-Li (Callina Liang), Blanka (Jason Momoa), Vega (Orville Peck), Balrog (50 Cent), and Akuma (Roman Reigns) have been all going to be on this movie, I believed, okay, that’s cool. I imply, all of it factors to the film that includes a number of of the collection mainstays, and it provides it a Street Fighter II vibe, which is smart since that’s the most well-liked recreation within the long-running collection.
Nonetheless, when information dropped that the comic, Andrew Schulz, can be portraying the pink gi-wearing Dan Hibiki, my curiosity stage did a Shoryuken! As a result of despite the fact that we now have plenty of legendary (pun not supposed) characters from the franchise already included, the truth that Dan has already been solid once we nonetheless don’t have anyone taking part in M. Bison, Zangief, or Sagat but simply tells me that the tone for this film goes to be very fascinating.
It additionally tells me that the film goes to be pulling from a number of durations of the franchise, which is one thing that I actually wished to see with this film. You see, Dan first debuted within the Alpha collection (which makes it even clearer to me that Sagat will in all probability be on this movie, given Dan’s historical past with the character).
However, I love that Dan goes to be on this film. Whereas he isn’t fairly the “deepest minimize,” as most followers of the collection are acquainted with the joke character, the truth that they’re placing him within the movie (and that they obtained such a gifted comic to play him), actually makes me really feel like every character is truthful recreation now.
Like, may we presumably get extra lesser-known characters (to most of the people, anyway), like Sean, Makoto, or Juri? Hell, may we get Closing Battle characters like Man, Cody, or Poison? Actually, I by no means would have thought it potential earlier than, however now that Dan has been solid on this movie, the sky actually is the restrict.
Not All Of The Actors Are Tremendous Megastars (But), Which I Hope Means They’re Wanting To Forged Who They Think Is Finest For The Roles
Right here’s one more reason why I’m tremendous eager for this film now. Thus far, the largest star is Jason Momoa, and he’s going to be taking part in Blanka of all characters. Blanka! (Although, I don’t know why I am so shocked on condition that he’s additionally going to be taking part in Lobo).
Apart from him, the second most notable particular person on this movie is the wrestler, Roman Reigns, who might be taking part in Akuma (which I’ll talk about quickly). That mentioned, the remainder of the solid (up to now, anyway) consists of up-and-comers like Noah Centineo and actors who’ve but to achieve the celebrity as a number of the different talked about solid members. However, that simply makes me even extra assured on this movie.
As a result of I extremely doubt that Akuma goes to be the principle character on this film. He could be the principle villain, positive, however I’m virtually optimistic that he gained’t be the protagonist. That will doubtless be both Ryu or Chun-Li, who’re being performed by Andrew Koji and Callina Liang, respectively.
Koji might be most recognized for his position as Ah Sahm from the Cinemax collection, Warrior. If not there, then in all probability as Storm Shadow from the G.I. Joe film, Snake Eyes. He actually can be an superior Ryu, and I’m glad that someone like him was picked for the position slightly than some mega superstar.
Callina Liang is one other fascinating selection. Thus far, the Steven Soderbergh film, Presence, could be the primary time folks have seen her. Both that, or because the lead position in Unhealthy Genius, each of which got here out in 2024. That mentioned, the truth that she was chosen simply makes me suppose that the powers that be really feel she is the only option to play Chun-Li, and if that is the case, I’m overjoyed that they may very well be seeking to solid individuals who match the elements, slightly than simply going for the massive names. Be that as it might…
Akuma Was One Of The First Confirmed Characters For This Movie, Which Could Imply He’ll Play An Essential Position In The Story
I’m going to be sincere with you. Once I first heard that Roman Reigns was going to be taking part in Akuma, I type of cringed.
I’ll be the primary to confess that I’m not the largest fan of Reigns as a wrestler, and I actually had a tough time making an attempt to ascertain him as the good demon. That mentioned, what I did like was that Akuma was one of many first characters solid within the movie, which tells me that he should be an essential character within the story.
And, have you learnt how glad this made me? Thus far, we now have gotten two live-action Street Fighter motion pictures, and so they each characteristic M. Bison as the principle antagonist. I imply, this film may, too (Shadaloo doubtless performs a component on condition that we have already got Vega and Balrog within the solid), however the truth that Akuma was solid so early (and with Roman Reigns, no much less!) leads me to consider that he’ll play a pivotal position within the story.
For those that do not know, Akuma has a historical past with Ryu and Ken, and he is continually making an attempt to get Ryu to embrace his evil facet (often known as the Satsui no Hado within the story), which creates a beautiful internal battle for the collection protagonist.
Might this be the course that the film is heading in? I do not know, however with Akuma within the story, it is definitely potential!
Lastly, There Are Already Two Reside-Motion Street Fighter Motion pictures, So They Ought to Know By Now What NOT To Do
I as soon as wrote an article on the most effective online game motion pictures. And, have you learnt what motion pictures DIDN’T make the listing? That’s proper! Neither 1994’s Street Fighter starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, nor the completely abysmal Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li.
And look, even on the time of each of their releases, I wasn’t anticipating both of them to be the most effective online game motion pictures of all time like I am anticipating with this upcoming Elden Ring movie. No. All I merely wished out of both of them was a DECENT illustration of one among my favourite online game collection. And, whereas I’ve grown to love the 1994 movie over time, The Legend of Chun-Li is inexcusably dangerous, and there’s actually nothing to love about it.
So, if I’ve one ultimate motive why I am trying ahead to this film, it is that there are already two arguably dangerous Street Fighter motion pictures, so they need to now know what not to do.
I feel we’re already seeing that they’ve realized their lesson by the truth that they’re specializing in key characters first (Ryu, Ken, Chun, and Akuma), and are not making Guile the principle character like within the ‘94 film, or making this some bizarre origin story that does not even embody a lot of the collection’ mainstays (however by some means options Nash, a.okay.a. Charlie).
It’s for all these causes and extra that I feel they’re lastly going to get this Street Fighter film proper, whereas up to now they’ve failed miserably.
However, what do you suppose? Do you additionally consider that that is lastly going to be the time for there to be a good Street Fighter film? I might love to listen to your ideas, fellow World Warriors!