Andrew Schulz, star of the upcoming Street Fighter film, has shed light on his controversial callout of the Mortal Kombat II cast during The Game Awards. The comedian and actor stated that his on-stage remarks were intended to foster a friendly rivalry, akin to a professional wrestling 'work,' and expressed a desire for a 'Barbenheimer' moment where both fighting game adaptations could benefit from the attention.
During the awards ceremony, Schulz jokingly addressed the Mortal Kombat II cast, implying they were present and deserving of applause. He then pivoted, suggesting they only cared about money, contrasting them with the Street Fighter team's supposed appreciation for the audience. This moment quickly went viral, with some fans interpreting it as a hostile jab at a fellow video game movie.
Schulz explained his intention was to create buzz and draw attention to both films. He likened the situation to the collaborative marketing seen between 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer,' where rising tides were expected to lift all boats. "We’re not the only game that appreciates your patronage," he said, before continuing, "They didn’t come. They don’t care about you, they only care about money, okay? We care about money and you! Street Fighter forever!"
He admitted he was anticipating a thank you from the Mortal Kombat team for using his platform to promote their film as well. Schulz also revealed that his callout was an attempt to set the stage for a potential crossover, a sentiment echoed by fellow Street Fighter cast members Cody Rhodes and Eric Andre. This aligns with comments from Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon, who has previously expressed interest in a crossover game with Street Fighter.
While Schulz and other Street Fighter cast members like Andrew Koji and Callina Liang are open to collaborations, even mentioning franchises like Marvel vs. Capcom, director Kitao Sakurai has indicated that the future of the Street Fighter film series hinges on the performance of the first movie. Street Fighter is set to release in theaters on October 16, 2026.