Capcom has confirmed that production is underway on a live-action film adaptation of its iconic fighting game series Street Fighter, with Hollywood studio Legendary Entertainment co-financing the project.
The Japanese video game publisher, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under code 9697, said the adaptation marks the latest step in its strategy to expand its intellectual property beyond the console and PC markets.
Legendary partnership
The new film is being produced in partnership with Legendary, the studio behind hits such as Dune and Godzilla vs. Kong. By co-financing the movie, Capcom aims to strengthen the global profile of Street Fighter, which has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide since its debut in 1987.
Capcom confirmed that the main characters—Ryu, Ken, and Chun-Li—have been cast, though details of the actors have not yet been disclosed. Filming has now officially commenced.
In a statement, Capcom described the collaboration with Legendary as “an opportunity to further elevate the global value” of its intellectual property, underscoring the company’s commitment to its Single Content Multiple Usage strategy. This model focuses on developing franchises across multiple forms of media, including films, television, merchandise, and esports.
Expanding the brand
Capcom has already seen success in bringing its properties to the screen. The Resident Evil franchise, adapted into both films and streaming series, has generated over $1.2bn at the global box office, while also maintaining strong sales in the gaming market.
The company hopes that Street Fighter will replicate that success by tapping into a broader audience beyond traditional gamers. By leveraging Legendary’s experience in producing large-scale, globally distributed films, Capcom intends to ensure the fighting game’s core characters and lore are faithfully adapted for cinema.
Cultural legacy
Street Fighter remains one of the most recognisable franchises in gaming, known for its distinctive character roster, fast-paced combat, and cultural impact. Moves like Ryu’s Hadouken and Chun-Li’s lightning kicks have become staples of gaming culture, while competitive play through global tournaments such as the Capcom Pro Tour continues to attract millions of fans.
The decision to move forward with a live-action film comes as video game adaptations enjoy renewed success in Hollywood. Recent productions like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and HBO’s The Last of Us have demonstrated that faithful yet cinematic adaptations can achieve both commercial and critical acclaim.
Looking ahead
Capcom has not yet announced a release date for the Street Fighter film, nor has it confirmed the full list of cast and crew. However, with production underway, more details are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
For Capcom, the project represents both a business strategy and a cultural milestone — reinforcing its ambition to grow Street Fighter into a multimedia franchise with enduring global appeal.
