The world of professional wrestling is stepping into the ring with video game icons as WWE superstars Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns have been cast as Guile and Akuma, respectively, in an upcoming AI-generated live-action adaptation of Street Fighter. Announced on July 2, 2025, via a press release from Capcom and Legendary Pictures, the film marks a bold experiment in cinema, blending cutting-edge AI technology with the physical prowess of WWE’s top talents. Filming is set to begin in Vancouver this fall, with a targeted release date of July 17, 2026, aligning with the 35th anniversary of the Street Fighter franchise. The casting news has ignited excitement and debate among fans on X, who are eager to see how Rhodes’ All-American charisma and Reigns’ menacing intensity translate to the big screen.
Cody Rhodes, the reigning WWE Undisputed Champion, will portray Colonel William F. Guile, the stoic U.S. Army officer known for his blonde flattop and patriotic fervor. Rhodes, who recently headlined WrestleMania 41 in April 2025, brings a fitting physicality and stage presence to the role, having trained extensively in martial arts for his wrestling career. Images circulating on X show Rhodes sporting Guile’s iconic green tank top, dog tags, and an AI-enhanced flattop, with fans praising the uncanny resemblance. “Cody as Guile feels like destiny,” one user posted, while another noted, “His promo skills will make Guile’s ‘Go home and be a family man’ line legendary.” The 39-year-old wrestler has expressed enthusiasm, telling Variety on July 2 that he’s honored to embody a character he grew up playing, promising to deliver a performance that honors the game’s legacy.
Roman Reigns, the former WWE Universal Champion who returned from a brief hiatus in June 2025, takes on the role of Akuma, the ruthless Shadaloo master with a fiery topknot and red gi. Known as “The Tribal Chief,” Reigns’ imposing 6’3” frame and intense persona align with Akuma’s deadly Raging Demon persona. AI-generated concept art shared by Legendary Pictures depicts Reigns with Akuma’s signature scars and prayer beads, his steely gaze amplified by digital enhancements. On X, reactions range from awe—“Roman as Akuma is going to break the internet”—to skepticism about his acting range, though his 2020s promos suggest a commanding screen presence. Reigns, 40, told EW that he’s excited to explore a darker character, drawing on his Samoan heritage to add depth to Akuma’s spiritual undertones.
The film, directed by Chad Stahelski of John Wick fame, leverages AI to create hyper-realistic fight choreography and environments, a first for a major live-action video game adaptation. Stahelski revealed in a June 2025 Deadline interview that the technology allows for seamless integration of digital and practical effects, with Rhodes and Reigns performing most stunts themselves. The plot centers on Guile leading a special forces team to dismantle Shadaloo, clashing with Akuma and other fighters like Ryu and Chun-Li, whose casting remains under wraps. Producers promise a narrative that respects the arcade roots while expanding the lore, with AI generating real-time battle sequences filmed in Vancouver’s motion-capture studios.
The project follows the 1994 Street Fighter film’s mixed legacy, aiming to redeem the franchise with a $150 million budget, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter on July 2. Fan reactions on X are split, with some hailing the casting as a “dream come true” and others questioning AI’s role in storytelling. “Wrestlers in video game movies? Bold move,” one user wrote, while another countered, “If it’s Stahelski and AI, I’m in.” The film’s use of AI has also sparked discussions about authenticity, though Capcom’s involvement ensures fidelity to the source material. Training footage leaked on July 3 shows Rhodes practicing Guile’s Sonic Boom and Reigns mastering Akuma’s Shun Goku Satsu, hinting at a visceral action spectacle.
As production ramps up, the Street Fighter film positions Rhodes and Reigns as potential action stars, leveraging their WWE fame to bridge wrestling and cinema. With a global fanbase and the franchise’s cultural impact, the 2026 release could redefine adaptations, blending AI innovation with human performance. Whether it delivers a knockout punch or stumbles like its predecessor, the casting of these WWE icons ensures Street Fighter will be a topic of heated debate and anticipation in the months ahead.
