‘Hadoukens’, iconic fighters and arcade nostalgia: How ‘Street Fighter’ (2026) brings the video game to life
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — Hadoukens, flying kicks and even the iconic car-smashing bonus stage — Street Fighter...
Street Fighter, a beloved fighting game franchise, has returned to the big screen in a live-action reboot released in Malaysian cinemas on October 15, 2023. Directed by Kitao Sakurai and starring Andrew Koji, Noah Centineo, and Callina Liang, the film brings iconic characters, moves, and Easter eggs from the games to life. Set in 1993, the story follows Ryu and Ken Masters as they are recruited by Chun-Li for the World Warrior Tournament, but a dangerous conspiracy threatens the event.
While some fans have mixed reactions to the film's storytelling, its colorful characters, elaborate action sequences, and numerous callbacks to the games offer plenty for longtime fans to enjoy. From faithfully recreated costumes to iconic special attacks and Easter eggs, the reboot leans heavily into the franchise's gaming heritage.
Fans will recognize Ryu's familiar cry of “Hadouken!” during combat and the classic “Round 1, FIGHT!” announcement at the beginning of a match. A recreation of the car-smashing bonus stage from Street Fighter II sees Ken taking part in the destruction challenge, while M. Bison delivers a line recalling a memorable exchange from the 1994 Street Fighter film.
The film's attention to detail in recreating fighters' appearances, fight moves, and settings helps bring the arcade nostalgia to life for a new generation of fans.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
