The well known and heavily played video game Street Fighter received its anticipated movie adaptation. This is the second live action making of Street Fighter, however it has been 32 years since the last film.
One of the key differences in the new Street Fighter is the addition of the iconic game anti-hero character Akuma. Akuma, played by Roman Reigns, is one of the highlights of the entire film.
Street Fighter is filled with several popular characters that are depicted by their respective actors. There are some standouts that grab your attention, but one of the highlights is Akuma. The film starts off with an anime sequence showing the characters Ryu and Sagat fighting for the championship of a tournament.
While they are fighting Akuma appears in the background as Ryu begins to beat Sagat because he senses something in Ryu. In the animated form, Reigns’ voice is menacing as he lurks attempting to have Ryu embrace the darkness building inside.
Akuma is a character who embraces the darkness within and is a master martial artist. By embracing the dark, he purely fights to kill and only seeks out who he feels is worthy. Reigns is the top star in the World Wrestling Entertainment company. He is a multiple world heavyweight champion winner and has been one of the main faces of the WWE.
In a similar role in the WWE he plays an anti-hero like role depending on the direction of the story he is in. Reigns only faces some of the best opponents in the WWE, so him playing Akuma fits like a glove.
The presence of Akuma in Street Fighter is felt throughout the film. In each animated scene Akuma brings terror as he haunts over Ryu. While M.Bison is presented as the main villain in the film, Akuma is the main threat that the protagonist Ryu is concerned about. Akuma wants to lure Ryu into accepting the darkness within and embrace fighting with the same murderous intent. He views Ryu as an equal and he wants that challenge.
When we finally see Akuma appear in live action towards the climax, he makes a powerful introduction. He immediately kills tournament winner Joe, deeming unworthy as a true opponent. The black smoke, red eyes, along with the towering presence Reigns brings to the character of Akuma fully brings him to life.
Once Ryu comes and challenges Akuma, the strength and brutality is on display. Getting the better of Ryu only because he is holding back and not embracing the Darkness until Ryu cannot withhold anymore. Setting up a quality final battle between Akuma and Ryu.
Movie adaptations of video games always present some risk for studios when they are made. Fans of video games are known to be very critical in terms of holding the movie accountable to game’s source material. In particular, fans also just wanted to see their favorite game characters’ live action depiction done well. With Street Fighter spanning multiple games over decades the fans have fallen in love with the characters and get a real chance to see them in a film again.
The popular character of Akuma was not present in the original live action depiction of Street Fighter, so there is no one to compare Reigns’ performance. However he fit the character perfectly.
Other actors played their characters well and there were other standouts that should make people happy. Reigns in his time playing his character is a highlight of the film and should make people happy to go see the film. With a teaser of a potential sequel, we should hope to see Reigns as Akuma return and have more time with the character.
Lead Image: Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa’i in PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND LEGENDARY PICTURES In Association with CAPCOM.A LEGENDARY PICTURES Production “STREET FIGHTER” | ©2026 PARAMOUNT PICTURES, CAPCOM AND LEGENDARY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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