Live-Action Street Fighter Movie Finds a New Director

The iconic fighting game franchise, Street Fighter, is gearing up for another cinematic venture with a fresh director at the helm. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kitao Sakurai, known for his work on the quirky comedy show The Eric Andre Show, has been tapped to direct the upcoming Street Fighter movie for Legendary Entertainment. With a release date already set for March 20, 2026, anticipation is building among fans eager to see how this beloved game will be interpreted on the big screen.

Capcom, the game's developer, is reportedly "deeply involved" in the project, ensuring that the essence of Street Fighter remains intact. This isn't the first time Street Fighter has been adapted for film; the 1994 movie, featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme as Guile, Ming-Na Wen as Chun-Li, and the late Raul Julia as M. Bison, left an indelible mark on fans, even if it didn't receive critical acclaim at the time.

While casting details remain under wraps, fans can expect to see familiar faces from the Street Fighter universe. The film initially had Danny and Michael Philippou, the directors of Talk to Me, attached to the project, but they exited last summer. Sakurai's involvement hints at a possible shift towards a more absurdist tone, which could be a thrilling direction for fans who appreciate the game's more whimsical elements.

As we await further updates on this exciting project, fans can continue to enjoy the latest installment of the game, Street Fighter 6, which recently introduced the character Mai Shiranui. For a comprehensive look at the game, check out our full Street Fighter 6 review [ttpp].