Jason Momoa has shared new details about playing the iconic role of Blanka in the upcoming live-action Street Fighter movie. Speaking with Extra TV and The Playlist, the actor expressed excitement and nerves about bringing the wild, green-skinned character from Capcom’s video game franchise to the big screen.
The film, scheduled for a theatrical release on October 16, 2026, is directed by Kitao Sakurai and written by Dalan Musson. Momoa stated that he pursued the role after collaborating with producers Cale and Mary on Dune and later working with them on A Minecraft Movie. When the video game adaptation arose, Momoa made sure he was part of the project.
Why Jason Momoa Wanted to Play Blanka
Known for his roles like Aquaman, Momoa believes his connection to the source material makes him a fit for the fighter. During his interview with The Playlist, Momoa stated: “There’s no one better to play Blanka, so that’s why I’m doing it. We’ll do what the audience would like to see – practical, CG – we’re gonna do our best. The cast is insane. My son and I play it; it’s the only game I played.”
Momoa’s history with the franchise dates back to his youth. He explained that because video games were restricted at home, he visited friends’ houses or local arcades to play Street Fighter II, which debuted in 1991. He later purchased an arcade cabinet for his own home. Now, sharing the experience with his son, playing Blanka has come full circle.
The Challenges and Scale of the Live-Action Adaptation
Despite his excitement, Momoa admitted to Extra TV that tackling a character as feral as Blanka, whose real name is Jimmy, carries anxieties. He noted that the role feels like “the easiest job I got” on paper due to his natural affinity for the character, yet it remains “kind of the scariest” because he wants to satisfy longtime fans.
The actor emphasized that the production team aims to balance practical makeup, stunt work, and computer-generated visual effects to bring Blanka’s green skin, red hair, and combat style to life.
A Massive Ensemble Cast
Momoa joins a star-studded roster assembled for the Legendary Pictures and Sony adaptation. The narrative will follow classic fighters entering the global World Warrior Tournament. The confirmed cast features:
- Jason Momoa as Blanka
- Andrew Koji as Ryu
- Noah Centineo as Ken Masters
- Callina Liang as Chun-Li
- Roman Reigns as Akuma
- Cody Rhodes as Guile
- David Dastmalchian as M. Bison
- 50 Cent as Balrog
- Orville Peck as Vega
- Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki
- Eric André as Don Sauvage
- Kyle Mooney as Marvin
With production moving forward under Sakurai’s direction, anticipation builds for how the filmmakers will translate the arcade action into a live-action blockbuster. Street Fighter punches its way into theaters worldwide on October 16, 2026.
