First ‘Street Fighter’ Movie Trailer Debuts at Game Awards, Packed With Arcade-Style Action

Director Kitao Sakurai’s live-action Street Fighter film promises neon-soaked chaos and fan-favorite fighters when it hits theaters in 2026.

The Game Awards delivered a knockout surprise tonight with the debut of the first trailer for Capcom and Paramount Pictures’ upcoming Street Fighter movie. Directed by Kitao Sakurai, the film is set to kick its way into theaters in 2026, and the trailer wasted no time showing off its high-octane energy.

For fans skeptical about whether a live-action adaptation could capture the over-the-top flair of the beloved fighting franchise without veering into parody, the footage offered reassurance. The trailer was a rapid-fire showcase of characters, moves, and neon-drenched set pieces, leaning heavily into the camp and spectacle that define the games. From Chun-Li’s lightning kicks to Guile’s flash kick and even cars being air-juggled, the preview embraced the arcade chaos wholeheartedly.

Visually, the film appears inspired by the vibrant aesthetic of Street Fighter VI, with its urban, neon-heavy look. That style choice makes the larger-than-life hair of Cody Rhodes’ Guile and the exaggerated costumes feel more at home than in previous attempts at adapting the franchise. Compared to earlier cinematic outings — the Jean-Claude Van Damme-led 1994 film and the largely forgotten Legend of Chun-Li — Sakurai’s version seems intent on celebrating the franchise’s camp rather than shying away from it.

Mic drop! #StreetFighterMovie cast brings a sneak peek to #TheGameAwards! Hits theaters everywhere October 16, 2026. @street_fighter pic.twitter.com/pqLMheZwIh

— The Game Awards (@thegameawards) December 12, 2025

The trailer also introduced the ensemble cast, a mix of Hollywood actors, athletes, and wrestlers stepping into iconic roles:

• Noah Centineo as Ken Masters
• Andrew Koji as Ryu
• Callina Liang as Chun-Li
• Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa’i as Akuma
• David Dastmalchian as M. Bison
• Cody Rhodes as Guile
• Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki
• Eric André as Don Sauvage
• Vidyut Jammwal as Dhalsim
• Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog
• Jason Momoa as Blanka
• Orville Peck as Vega
• Olivier Richters as Zangief
• Hirooki Goto as E. Honda
• Rayna Vallandingham as Juli
• Alexander Volkanovski as Joe
• Kyle Mooney as Marvin
• Mel Jarnson as Cammy

While the trailer offered little in terms of plot, its focus was clear: deliver the spectacle fans expect from Street Fighter. Whether the final film will balance story with action remains to be seen, but Sakurai’s first impression suggests a project that knows exactly what it is — a love letter to arcade chaos, designed to thrill fans and newcomers alike.