Paramount Pictures and Legendary Entertainment have formed a new three-year global film distribution agreement, with the highly anticipated Cody Rhodes Street Fighter Movie being the first to debut under this partnership. The live-action adaptation, based on the famous Capcom video game franchise, is slated to hit theaters worldwide on October 16, 2026, except in China where Legendary East will manage distribution.
The Street Fighter movie is currently in production and is being filmed for IMAX®, promising an immersive viewing experience. This project represents a critical milestone in the collaboration between Legendary and Paramount, combining Legendary’s expertise in creating globally resonant content with Paramount’s extensive distribution capabilities.
Details of the New Strategic Partnership and Film Release
Legendary Entertainment and Paramount Pictures’ alliance aims to market and distribute theatrical films with worldwide reach, excluding China where Legendary East holds distribution rights. Street Fighter, co-produced by Capcom, is the first film to launch under this agreement and will bring the iconic video game series to life on the big screen.
Josh Greenstein, Co-Chair of Paramount Pictures and Vice Chair of Platforms, alongside Dana Goldberg, Co-Chair of Paramount Pictures and Chair of Paramount Television, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.
“Legendary has built a reputation for ambitious, globally appealing films, and we’re excited to be partnering with them. Street Fighter is the perfect start to our collaboration, which we believe will be strong and lasting.”
Legendary CEO Josh Grode also highlighted the partnership’s potential by stating,
“Partnering with David, Dana and Josh and their teams at Paramount marks an exciting new chapter for Legendary as we continue to pursue a diversified growth strategy—expanding our output, building new franchises, and creating more films for global audiences. This partnership is an extraordinary opportunity, and we look forward to working closely with Paramount on stories that will captivate and inspire moviegoers worldwide.”
Legendary and Paramount’s Film Leadership and Track Records
Paramount Pictures boasts a century-long history as a successful producer and distributor of major cinematic projects. Its recent box office hits include Top Gun: Maverick, Sonic the Hedgehog, Transformers, and Mission: Impossible, alongside other notable films like A Quiet Place, Smile, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Legendary Entertainment has demonstrated significant expertise in adapting well-established intellectual properties with loyal fan bases into major film franchises. Their recent adaptations span a variety of successful projects such as A Minecraft Movie, starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa; Dune and its sequel, both recipients of multiple Academy Awards®; and entries in their Monsterverse series, including Godzilla x Kong. Legendary’s portfolio also features Pokémon: Detective Pikachu and the Enola Holmes franchise, showcasing the company’s broad storytelling range.
Meanwhile, Warner Bros. will continue to distribute select Legendary films like the upcoming Dune: Part Three and Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, maintaining their existing collaboration with Legendary on certain franchises.
Street Fighter Movie Plot and Setting Bring the 90s Classic to Life
The upcoming live-action Street Fighter film transports audiences back to 1993, centering on two estranged fighters, Ryu and Ken Masters, played by Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo respectively. They are enlisted by the enigmatic Chun-Li (Callina Liang) to participate in the World Warrior Tournament, a fierce contest infused with intensity, skill, and hidden dangers.
Behind the tournament’s excitement lies a deeper, deadly conspiracy pressuring fighters to confront not only each other but also the shadows of their past. Failure to do so could result in catastrophic consequences—a true “game over” scenario. The film aims to capture the spirit and excitement of the original Street Fighter arcade experience, complete with iconic moves like Hadoukens and roundhouse kicks, all under the direction of Kitao Sakurai.
Star-Studded Cast Brings Iconic Characters to the Screen
The film features a highly anticipated cast blending wrestling stars, actors, and musicians who embody the legendary Street Fighter roster:
Principal Cast:
Noah Centineo as Ken Masters
Andrew Koji as Ryu
Callina Liang as Chun-Li
Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa’i as Akuma
David Dastmalchian as M. Bison
Cody Rhodes as Guile
Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki
Eric André as Don Sauvage
Vidyut Jammwal as Dhalsim
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog
Jason Momoa as Blanka
Additional Cast Members:
Orville Peck as Vega
Olivier Richters as Zangief
Hirooki Goto as E. Honda
Rayna Vallandingham as Juli
Alexander Volkanovski as Joe
Kyle Mooney as Marvin
Mel Jarnson as Cammy
The Significance and Anticipated Impact of the Street Fighter Film
The Cody Rhodes Street Fighter Movie is poised to renew interest in the legendary video game franchise while introducing its dynamic characters and thrilling battles to a fresh audience. As the inaugural release under Legendary and Paramount’s new global distribution pact, it showcases the companies’ commitment to producing high-quality adaptations with global appeal.
Drawing from the 90s arcade vibe and delivering it with contemporary cinematic techniques and star power, the film aims to appeal to both longtime gamers and new fans. The inclusion of wrestling personalities like Rhodes and Roman Reigns further adds authenticity and excitement for wrestling and gaming enthusiasts alike.
The October 2026 release date marks a strategic moment for both studios to capitalize on the strong fanbase surrounding Street Fighter, complemented by the immersive IMAX® presentation that promises to elevate the filmgoing experience.
As production progresses, expectations remain high for the film to successfully blend nostalgic elements with modern storytelling, creating a franchise that could drive further cinematic and gaming crossovers in the years to come. This collaboration not only reaffirms Legendary’s talent for transforming beloved games into compelling cinema but also reinforces Paramount’s position as a leading global distributor in the entertainment industry.
