Jason Momoa plays the fan-favorite mutant Blanka in the upcoming live-action Street Fighter adaptation. Beneath the heavy prosthetics, the blockbuster struck an unexpectedly deep emotional chord with the star. During launch events, Momoa discussed bringing the Capcom character to life, the wild ensemble cast, and why the personal journey moved him to tears.
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Verify & Continue ReadingDiscussing his lifelong love for the franchise, the actor admitted how profoundly the project affected him. “I cried,” Momoa shared when reflecting on what landing the role meant to him. His affection for the green, electrically charged fighter goes back decades, as Blanka was always his go-to character in the arcades.
“I love the beast. I love his moves,” Momoa explained. Stepping into Blanka’s ripped pants and signature animal-tooth necklace tapped into a genuine nostalgia that caught the actor off guard.
A Stacked, All-Star World Warrior Roster
Momoa is far from alone in the arena. The live-action Street Fighter movie boasts a star-studded ensemble cast spanning Hollywood, music, professional wrestling, and comedy. The lineup includes:
- Andrew Koji as Ryu
- Noah Centineo as Ken Masters
- Callina Liang as Chun-Li
- David Dastmalchian as M. Bison
- 50 Cent as Balrog
- Roman Reigns as Akuma
- Cody Rhodes as Guile
- Orville Peck as Vega
- Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki
Set in 1993, the plot pulls estranged fighters Ryu and Ken back into battle when Chun-Li recruits them for the legendary World Warrior Tournament. A much larger, deadlier conspiracy unfolds behind the scenes as the brawlers step into the ring.
Bringing the Arcade to Life
Directed by Kitao Sakurai, the film leans into the chaotic, vibrant energy of the source material. Teasers highlight game-accurate costumes, practical effects blended with CGI, and signature moves like Blanka’s rolling attack and Ryu’s devastating Hadoukens.
For Momoa, whose casting was described by Sakurai as practically writing itself, the project represents a dream come true. Fans eager to see the actor’s transformation can watch Street Fighter when it punches its way into cinemas worldwide on October 16.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the live-action Street Fighter movie releasing?
Street Fighter is scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on October 16.
Who does Jason Momoa play in Street Fighter?
Jason Momoa stars as Blanka, the iconic green-skinned, electric-shock-wielding wild man from the Capcom franchise.
Who is directing the Street Fighter movie?
The film is directed by Kitao Sakurai.
What is the plot of the new Street Fighter movie?
Set in 1993, the movie follows former friends Ryu and Ken Masters after Chun-Li recruits them for the World Warrior Tournament, where they uncover a hidden conspiracy.
Who else stars in the Street Fighter cast?
The star-studded cast features Andrew Koji as Ryu, Noah Centineo as Ken, Callina Liang as Chun-Li, David Dastmalchian as M. Bison, 50 Cent as Balrog, Roman Reigns as Akuma, and Cody Rhodes as Guile.
