The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the iconic video game franchise Street Fighter is generating an immense amount of early buzz, thanks in large part to a single, viral social media post. Actor Noah Centineo sent fans into a frenzy after sharing a shirtless, physique-flexing photo from his Sydney trailer, all but confirming his casting as the fiery American martial artist, Ken Masters. The striking physical transformation from his previous roles as a boy-next-door heartthrob to a “road brawler” has been met with both shock and excitement, proving that this cinematic take on the classic arcade game is ready to deliver a new kind of a knockout punch.
Centineo’s dedication to embodying the look of his character is evident. The photo, which features his newly-ripped physique, muscular biceps, and dyed-blond hair, immediately drew comparisons to Ken’s signature look from the games. The reveal has gone viral, with fans flooding social media with comments expressing disbelief at his transformation. His co-star, Rachel Zegler, added to the buzz with a surprised “NOW HANG ON-” comment on his post, while other fans affectionately joked about the dramatic change from his “Peter Kavinsky” days in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
The casting is just one part of a powerhouse ensemble that has fans of the beloved franchise buzzing with a mix of anticipation and curiosity. The film, directed by Kitao Sakurai, promises to bring some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports into the Street Fighter universe. The confirmed cast includes:
- Andrew Koji as Ryu
- Jason Momoa as Blanka
- Roman Reigns as Akuma
- Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog
- Cody Rhodes as Guile
- David Dastmalchian as M. Bison
The star-studded lineup, which also includes Callina Liang as Chun-Li and Orville Peck as Vega, signals a strong creative commitment to this new cinematic universe. By casting a diverse mix of actors and performers, the movie is positioning itself as a fresh take on the source material, one that aims to honor the game’s nostalgic appeal while appealing to a modern, blockbuster audience. The live-action Street Fighter film is currently in production and is expected to be released in March 2026.
