The world of live-action adaptations is set to welcome a fresh perspective with the appointment of Kitao Sakurai as the director for the upcoming Street Fighter movie. This project, based on Capcom's renowned video game series, has undergone several changes in leadership. Initially taken over by Danny & Michael Philippou, the creators of Talk To Me, the reins have now been handed to Sakurai. The film aims to bring the rich universe of martial artists and their intense battles to life on the big screen, captivating audiences worldwide.
Street Fighter, which first debuted in 1987, has become a cornerstone in the gaming industry, celebrated for its dynamic and diverse cast of characters. The storylines typically revolve around a global tournament orchestrated by the enigmatic and sinister leader of Shadaloo, M. Bison. With over 55 million units sold globally, this franchise holds a special place in gaming history. The most recent release, Street Fighter 6, further solidified its status by winning Best Fighting Game at the prestigious Game Awards in 2023. Collaborating closely with Capcom, the developers and publishers of the games, ensures that the film will stay true to the beloved source material.
Kitao Sakurai's involvement brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the project. Renowned for his Emmy-nominated work on The Eric Andre Show, where he served as director and executive producer, Sakurai has also made waves with Netflix’s hit hidden camera comedy, Bad Trip. His extensive background in directing includes acclaimed projects like Twisted Metal, Dave, and The Premise. Currently, Sakurai is not only an executive producer but also directing key episodes of Amazon's upcoming spy thriller Butterfly. This new chapter in the Street Fighter saga promises to be both thrilling and innovative, setting a high bar for future video game adaptations.