The upcoming Street Fighter movie, slated for release on October 16, has seen significant creative input from Takayuki Nakayama, the director of Street Fighter 6. Nakayama revealed his deep involvement in the film's production, stating he was present from the outset, contributing to the script and working closely with the movie's director, Kitao Sakurai.
Nakayama emphasized the importance of balancing the film's tone. "The fighting aspects are going to be badass and serious in tone, but I also want to get the humorous vibe," he explained. His aim was to capture the spirit of the Street Fighter II era, describing the movie as a fun, popcorn-friendly experience designed for enjoyment without overthinking.
The film features a notable cast, including David Dastmalchian as M. Bison, 50 Cent as Balrog, Jason Momoa as Blanka, and Cody Rhodes as Guile. While the ensemble was surprising to some, Nakayama found many of the castings to be "oddly perfect." However, he expressed a particular fondness for the casting of the main trio: Ryu, Ken, and Chun-Li.
Andrew Koji, who portrays Ryu, is highlighted for his deep respect for the series and his method of embodying the character's mindset. Cody Rhodes' commitment to playing Guile was also noteworthy. Rhodes' child was born during production, and despite wanting to be with his family, his wife encouraged him to pursue the role. The production team reportedly embraced Rhodes like family, celebrating the birth of his child via FaceTime. The film is set to premiere on October 16.