(New Look at Cody Rhodes as Guile in the new Street Fighter Movie)
The worlds of professional wrestling and iconic video games are set for a spectacular collision! “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes is officially set to trade his wrestling boots for combat boots, bringing the all-American hero Guile to life in the highly anticipated new Street Fighter movie. The announcement, which has sent shockwaves of excitement across the internet, was recently punctuated by a tantalizing behind-the-scenes glimpse that confirms the creators are dedicated to honoring the source material in the most perfect way.
Fans have been buzzing since fellow cast member Andrew Schulz shared an image from the set, teasing a silhouette of Rhodes that unmistakably features Guile’s legendary, gravity-defying flat-top haircut. This small but crucial detail is a clear signal to longtime enthusiasts: this adaptation is for the fans. For years, Cody Rhodes has been on a mission to “finish the story” in the wrestling ring, and now he’s embarking on a new chapter, embodying one of the most steadfast and beloved characters in gaming history. Are you ready for a live-action Sonic Boom?
Assembling the World Warriors: A Cast Ready for Battle
Cody Rhodes isn’t the only heavy-hitter joining this cinematic tournament. Legendary Entertainment is assembling a truly formidable roster that promises to deliver a blockbuster experience. Joining Rhodes’ Guile is a star-studded lineup featuring Andrew Koji (Warrior) as the stoic wanderer Ryu, and Noah Centineo (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before) as his fiery rival, Ken Masters. The powerful and just Interpol agent Chun-Li will be portrayed by the talented Callina Liang.
On the side of villainy, the menacing leader of Shadaloo, M. Bison, will be brought to terrifying life by the brilliant character actor David Dastmalchian (The Suicide Squad, Dune). The cast is further bolstered by some incredible and inspired choices, including Jason Momoa as the ferocious Blanka, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as the knockout artist Balrog, and fellow WWE champion Roman Reigns as the demonic Akuma. With director Kitao Sakurai (Bad Trip) at the helm, the film, set for a March 20, 2026 release, is shaping up to be a faithful and explosive celebration of the franchise.
While no official trailers have been released yet, the constant stream of incredible casting news and this first look at Cody Rhodes as Guile are more than enough to keep the hype levels at maximum.
What Is the Story of the New Street Fighter Movie?
While official plot details are still being kept under wraps tighter than one of Zangief’s bear hugs, the classic framework of Street Fighter offers a clear and compelling path. The narrative is expected to center on a high-stakes global fighting tournament, bringing together the “World Warriors” from every corner of the globe. This tournament will likely serve as the backdrop for a much larger conflict, as the heroes are forced to unite against the sinister machinations of M. Bison and his criminal empire, Shadaloo.
We can anticipate a story that delves into the core themes of the series: honor, vengeance, friendship, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The casting of Cody Rhodes as Guile strongly suggests that his character’s classic storyline—an Air Force major seeking to avenge his fallen friend, Charlie Nash, at the hands of M. Bison—will be a significant emotional anchor for the film. How do you think the movie will balance the individual origin stories with the overarching tournament plot?
Why Cody Rhodes as Guile is a Perfect Match
The casting of “The American Nightmare” as America’s hero is a stroke of genius. Cody Rhodes’s entire wrestling persona is built on patriotism, resilience, and a never-say-die attitude that perfectly mirrors Guile’s character. He possesses the physicality, the intensity, and the undeniable charisma to portray the disciplined soldier. The immediate fan reaction to the flat-top tease is a testament to how eagerly the audience is embracing this choice.
This role marks a significant step for Rhodes in Hollywood, and it continues a trend of wrestlers successfully transitioning their larger-than-life personas to the big screen. The dedication shown to getting Guile’s look right, starting with the iconic hair, suggests a deep respect for the legacy of Street Fighter. It’s this attention to detail that can make or break a video game adaptation, and all signs point to the creative team hitting a critical hit.
The journey to the 2026 release date is well underway, with production reportedly kicking off this month in Australia. The combination of a passionate director, a diverse and powerhouse cast, and a clear love for the source material has positioned the new Street Fighter movie as a must-watch event. With this dream cast assembled, which iconic character matchup are you most excited to see brought to life on screen?
