The Street Fighter franchise started as a video game series developed by Capcom in 1987. The game was a huge hit, and it spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs, becoming one of the most popular and iconic video game franchises of all time.
It makes sense for Capcom to collaborate with a prominent studio, Legendary Entertainment in the film and television industries with Street Fighter 6 soon to be released on June 2, 2023. Sony and Legendary have a movie distribution agreement. Its Street Fighter contract comes at a time when video game adaptations have found success, with Paramount’s Sonic flicks, Sony’s Uncharted, and HBO’s The Last of Us all breaking through to varying degrees.
The Street Fighter movies have been met with mixed reviews from fans. The first movie from 1994, directed by Steven E. de Souza and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme as Guile, has developed a cult following over the years, with some fans appreciating it for its campy and over-the-top style. However, others criticize the film for its poor acting, weak storyline, and inaccurate portrayal of the game’s characters.
The second movie from 2009, “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li,” did not fare as well among fans or critics. Many fans felt that the movie did not accurately represent the Street Fighter universe, with poor character development, weak action scenes, and a confusing storyline.
Overall, many fans would have feel that the adaptations have failed to capture the essence of the games and their characters. The upcoming reboot may offer a chance for the franchise to redeem itself with fans and potentially draw in new audiences, but only time will tell how it is received.
