BALROG: 50 Cent to star in Street Fighter
Image: Instagram.
CURTIS “50 Cent” will gooi in his five-bob to play Street Fighter as Balrog in the live-action adaptation of the popular Capcom video game.
The rapper-turned-actor and businessman has been cast as Balrog, a disgraced boxer and bodyguard to the film’s villain.
Joining Jackson in this star-studded ensemble are WWE superstar Roman Reigns, who will portray the fearsome battler Akuma and martial artist Andrew Koji, celebrated for his role in Warrior, taking on the lead character Ryu.
As Jackson prepares for his role as Balrog, online reports indicate that he is fully committed to the character, engaging in extensive training and performing his own stunts.
The hip hop mogul, known for his rigorous work ethic, took to Instagram celebrating his new role with the post: “No Days off, Let’s work all roads lead to Shreveport Boom.”
The film, directed by Kitao Sakurai of The Eric Andre Show, began production in August in Australia.
The details of the film’s plot remain tightly under wraps, keeping both diehard fans and newcomers to the franchise guessing.
"Street Fighter", originally launched as an arcade game in 1987, quickly ascended to pop culture prestige with the release of "Street Fighter II" in 1991, which revolutionised one-on-one gaming.
Meanwhile, Street Fighter has attracted attention not only for its casting but also for its potential to rectify the missteps of the past.
Fans yearn for a true portrayal of the series after the 1994 adaptation, which starred Jean-Claude Van Damme and was a commercial and critical failure.
With an ensemble that features A-listers, hopes are high that this adaptation can encapsulate the spirit and thrill of the franchise.
The film is slated for release on March 20, 2026.