The upcoming live-actionStreet Fightermovie has been removed from the 2026 release calendar. The update comes only a month afterKitao Sakurai became the new directorofLegendary Entertainment’sStreet Fightermovie. Directors Danny and Michael Philippou previously exited the project. The popular video game franchise previously received the live-action movie treatment in 1994, with Jean-Claude Van Damme playing Colonel William F. Guile and Ming-Na Wen playing Chun-Li Zang.
According to Sony Pictures,Street Fighterhas now been removed from the studio’s 2026 domestic release calendar. The adaptation was previously scheduled to debut in theaters on July 29, 2025. Sony also adjusted its upcoming theatrical release calendar by moving the Phoebe Dynevor-led survival thrillerShiver, formerly titledBeneath the Storm, to July 31, 2025 after being previously slated to come to theaters on June 08, 2025.
What This Means For Street Fighter
The Movie May Require A Significant Overhaul
While a reason for the change has not been given,a removal from the release calendar is a troubling sign. A release date delay, as in the case ofShiver, means that the project is still on track to be released, albeit at a later date. A removal suggests more substantial problems behind-the-scenes that will take time to be addressed. This may be due to a significant creative overhaul that is needed now that Sakurai is helming the movie instead of the Philippou brothers.
Street Fighter 6: Akuma Character Guide (Moves, Combos, & Raging Demon)
The last character of Season 1 of Street Fighter 6 is Akuma, a demonic warrior whose moves, combos, and devastating Raging Demon can defeat all foes.
If this is the case, it does not have to mean that the project has ceased, but simply that itneeds more time to be properly developed. This not only includes potentially refining the story, but it also means finding theperfect actors for theStreet Fightermovie. They will be the face of the franchise’s new live-action creation and will need to bring both the acting and action-oriented skills that are expected of their characters. Sakurai, who has directed numerous episodes ofTwisted Metal, will be integral to this process.
Our Take On Street Fighter’s Release Update
It Is Disappointing, But There Is Still Hope
This is a disappointing update, especially so soon after the news about Sakurai boarding the project. Nevertheless, there is still hope that the movie will come to fruition, even if it happens at a significantly later date than originally intended. It’s better for a movie to take its time and to ensure that it is done well instead of being rushed to meet a date on a release calendar. With longtimevideo game franchiseslikeStreet Fighter, there is even more pressure to meet high expectations, buthopefully the movie will now have the time needed to fulfill those expectations.
