Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, has committed to performing his own stunts in the upcoming Street Fighter movie adaptation. Speaking recently on The Pat McAfee Show aired on ESPN, Rhodes revealed his dedication to authenticity while portraying Guile, a character known for his iconic fighting moves in the video game series.
Insisting on handling all stunt work personally, Rhodes aimed to capture the physicality of Guile’s character, making his involvement a highlight of the film’s action sequences. His commitment ensures that the fight scenes stay true to the spirit of the original Street Fighter games.
Guile’s Signature Moves and Rhodes’ Stunt Challenges
Rhodes explained that learning the physical aspects of Guile’s fighting style was straightforward for him. He described Guile’s key moves, including the Sonic Boom and Flash Kick, as central elements in the film’s portrayal of the character.
He stated,
“The physicality part of Guile was a pretty easy pick up,”
highlighting how integral the fight choreography is to the role. Rhodes emphasized his insistence on performing all stunt sequences himself regardless of the complexity or risk, including wire work and complex fight choreography coordinated by JV and his stunt squad.
“I was adamant that anything that’s a stunt, I want to do it. If that requires me being on these wires, I wanna do it,”
Rhodes said.
“If you put another guy over here in the corner who I know is going to do the shot after, I still want a shot at it. His name is JV, his stunt squad is putting together these fights because it’s Street Fighter, you need fights, it’s a fighting tournament. Unbelievable, very easy for me to jump right into it and he had a great team around me to let me get one go at a couple of things that I hope I get to see in the movie.”
Exceptional Cast and Director’s Tribute to Fans
Rhodes praised the film’s ensemble cast and director Kitao Sakurai for their dedication to honoring the game’s legacy. He noted how the movie goes beyond just action by offering true “fan service” to supporters of Street Fighter 2 and the franchise as a whole.
He commented on the dynamic on set, where serious actors such as Noah, Koji, and Callina worked hard each day, while he and fellow non-full-time actors like 50 Cent, Roman Reigns, and Andrew Schulz enjoyed the opportunity to bring energy and fun to their roles.
“That movie, if you’ve ever played particularly Street Fighter 2, what Kitao Sakurai has done as the director is unbelievable,”
Rhodes remarked.
“It’s just fan service. If you saw us walking around the lot in Australia, you’ve got [all these characters]. I don’t want to say the real final boss, but in that game, you know. Just a really wonderful cast. I think one thing they did on this movie that was awesome was Noah, Koji, and Callina, who are the three leads, unbelievable actors who take it serious and are there to work everyday. Then you’ve got me and 50 Cent and Andrew Schulz and Roman, we were able to play. They let us have a lot of fun and I hope people enjoy how I approach Guile because it’s different than straight military man, I suppose.”
The Importance of Authenticity in Action Sequences
Cody Rhodes’ choice to perform his own stunts adds a layer of realism and excitement to the film, particularly in a genre where high-risk sequences are vital. His determination to be fully involved in each physical scene underscores the dedication required to bring a beloved video game character like Guile to life on the big screen.
This decision may influence future casting choices in video game adaptations, where fidelity to the original material and physical commitment of actors contribute significantly to the project’s success.
What This Means for the Upcoming Street Fighter Movie
With a cast that blends earnest acting talent and star power from other entertainment realms, the movie promises to appeal to both fans of the game and general audiences. Cody Rhodes’ involvement and his approach to stunt work elevate expectations for dynamic and faithfully recreated fight scenes.
As filming continues in Australia, excitement builds around how this adaptation will honor the classic fighting tournament narrative while offering fresh cinematic appeal. Viewers can anticipate a combination of high-energy action and strong character portrayals when the film hits theaters.
