Capcom is giving in to the new fashion of game-to-film adaptations. The Japanese studio is not making its first film Street Fighter but it’s never been more opportune to try it again. After the golden age of superhero feature films, video game franchises are now on the verge of replacing tight-suited vigilantes as the most popular blockbusters. As Super Mario Bros. The Movie knew how to eclipse its nightmarish counterpart from 1993, the return of Street Fighter on the big screen will perhaps make us forget the 1994 dud starring Jean-Claude Van Damme.
It was in April 2023 that Legendary revealed its acquisition of the live action adaptation rights to the cult fighting game. Today, the project is taking shape in the form of a feature film developed in partnership with Sony Pictures and Capcom. Despite the departure of twins Danny and Michael Philippou (The hand) in production, the new adaptation of Street Fighter seems to be on the right track. The two companies in charge of production have just announced that the film plans to launch in theaters on March 20, 2026 (i.e. March 18, 2026 in our green lands). More information regarding the direction of the project should soon be forthcoming, but it is almost certain that it will build on the success of Street Fighter 6.
Only one viable approach
To better distance itself from its past attempts, Capcom has every interest in starting with a modern interpretation of its franchise. Despite the return of a passion among spectators for “old-fashioned” martial arts films, the Street Fighter next-gen has moved away from this traditional image. The latest title has managed to stand out thanks to its streetwear art direction and its more in-depth storyline via the World Tour mode. This initiatory journey across the world in order to understand what true strength is has proven to be quite effective with the controller in hand.
The emphasis on Luke’s character in favor of the usual Ryu and Ken could also impact the role of the legendary duo in the new film. Will the two fighters be placed in the lead role, or replaced by younger recruits, or even new characters? In the absence of additional information, we only have our predictions to dream on.
Legendary, Sony and Capcom will have to work hard to make this project a success. In addition to the risk of failure specific to the complex adaptation exercise, Street Fighter will hit theaters a few weeks before Following Super Mario Bros. The Moviescheduled for April 3, 2026. In the event of mixed reviews, the mustachioed plumber will certainly steal the show from the fighters. Who will emerge victorious from this duel at the top?
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