It’s not every day that one of hip-hop’s biggest icons takes over an amusement park for a film shoot, but that’s exactly what happened this week in Sydney. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, known for his chart-topping hits and larger-than-life persona, has been making waves Down Under—not on stage this time, but on the set of the new Street Fighter movie. On Monday, September 8, 2025, 50 Cent posted a video to Instagram showing himself and the film’s cast and crew enjoying exclusive access to Sydney’s famed Luna Park. The rapper-turned-actor didn’t hold back his excitement, writing, “Street Fighter we have the coolest cast and crew on this movie 🎥 we out doing shit, I took over the park so no one could be there but us. 👀 what you doing on your movie! 😆 suckers.” According to Hip-Hop DX, he also quipped, "I took over the park so no one could be there but us," underscoring the playful, competitive spirit that has defined much of his career.
It’s a fittingly bold move for a project that’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated—and unpredictable—film events of 2026. The new Street Fighter film, directed by Kitao Sakurai, is set for release on October 16, 2026, and boasts a cast that reads like a pop-culture fever dream. Alongside 50 Cent, who stars as the formidable boxer Balrog, the ensemble includes Hollywood heavyweights Jason Momoa, Noah Centineo, and Andrew Koji. Joining them are WWE champions Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, UFC featherweight star Aleksander Volkanovski (making his big-screen debut), masked country crooner Orville Peck in his first acting role, and comedians Eric André and Andrew Schulz. David Dastmalchian and Callina Liang round out the star-studded lineup, ensuring that the film’s appeal stretches well beyond traditional action movie fans.
According to Rolling Stone AU/NZ, the film’s story transports audiences back to 1993, where estranged fighters Ryu (played by Koji) and Ken Masters (Centineo) are recruited by Chun-Li (Liang) for the next World Warrior Tournament. But this is no simple martial arts contest. Behind the brutal competition, a conspiracy simmers, forcing the protagonists to confront not just their rivals but also the ghosts of their own pasts. It’s a narrative that promises both high-octane action and emotional depth, with director Sakurai—known for his offbeat, kinetic style—at the helm.
The project also marks a significant milestone in the film industry, as it’s the first release under a new three-year global distribution partnership between Paramount Pictures and Legendary Entertainment. This deal, industry insiders say, is expected to deliver a slate of big-budget, franchise-driven blockbusters, with Street Fighter leading the charge. For fans of the original video game and newcomers alike, the film’s combination of nostalgia, star power, and ambitious storytelling is generating plenty of buzz.
50 Cent’s involvement in the project is particularly noteworthy. While he’s no stranger to the big screen, having appeared in films like Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and Den of Thieves, taking on the role of Balrog in such a high-profile adaptation is a new challenge. According to Hip-Hop DX, 50 Cent announced his work on the film after sharing an image of the Street Fighter logo on Instagram, telling fans, “I haven’t been posting because I’m working on my new movie Street Fighter. I’m working what you doing?” The rapper’s playful bravado shines through both on and off set, as evidenced by his Luna Park takeover and his social media banter.
The choice of Sydney’s Luna Park as a filming location adds a unique flavor to the production. The iconic Harbourside amusement park, with its colorful rides and sweeping views of the city skyline, provided a surreal and exclusive backdrop for the cast and crew. Jackson’s video showed the team making the most of the empty park, turning the landmark into their own private movie playground. For Australian fans, the local connection is a point of pride, as the country plays host to an international blockbuster that’s sure to draw global attention.
50 Cent’s relationship with Australia goes beyond film. As The Music reported, he last toured the country in December 2023 during his “The Final Lap” tour, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of his seminal LP, Get Rich Or Die Tryin’. The album, which catapulted him to global stardom, remains a touchstone in hip-hop history. Reviewing the Perth stop on the tour, Sam Mead wrote, “A 50 Cent show is more than just a rapper at a concert—it’s an all-out multimedia art extravaganza beaming out into the cosmos.” That same energy and showmanship seem to have carried over to his work on Street Fighter, where he’s not just acting but helping to set the tone for the entire production.
While Jackson is front and center in the media buzz, the rest of the cast brings their own star power and unique backgrounds to the film. Jason Momoa, fresh off his roles in Aquaman and Dune, lends action-hero gravitas. Andrew Koji, known for Warrior and Snake Eyes, brings martial arts credibility. Noah Centineo, a fan favorite from romantic comedies and action flicks alike, adds a new dimension to Ken Masters. WWE superstars Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, both with massive followings, promise to draw wrestling fans into theaters, while Aleksander Volkanovski’s transition from the UFC octagon to the silver screen is already generating headlines. Orville Peck, with his enigmatic persona and signature mask, makes his acting debut, further underscoring the film’s genre-bending ambitions.
Director Kitao Sakurai’s involvement signals that fans can expect something out of the ordinary. Known for his work on Bad Trip and The Eric Andre Show, Sakurai has a knack for blending action, comedy, and surrealism—a combination that seems tailor-made for a property as beloved and eccentric as Street Fighter. With a script promising both nostalgia and fresh twists, and a production team willing to go all-in (even commandeering amusement parks), expectations are sky-high.
As the October 2026 release date approaches, anticipation for Street Fighter continues to build. The film’s unique blend of Hollywood stars, sports icons, musicians, and comedians, all set against the backdrop of a beloved video game franchise, sets it apart from the usual blockbuster fare. For 50 Cent and his all-star cast, the challenge is clear: deliver a film that lives up to the hype and brings a new generation of fans into the Street Fighter universe.
With filming underway in some of Sydney’s most iconic locations and a cast that spans genres and generations, Street Fighter is poised to be more than just another video game adaptation. If the energy on set—and the playful bravado of its star—are any indication, audiences are in for a cinematic event that’s as bold and unpredictable as the game itself.
