Walton Goggins, widely recognized for his compelling performances in television hits like Justified and Amazon's Fallout, is reportedly on the cusp of signing to play M. Bison, the notorious dictator and primary antagonist in the upcoming live-action Street Fighter movie. This casting news, sourced from entertainment journalist Jeff Sneider’s newsletter, The InSneider, has stirred excitement among fans eager to see the franchise rebooted with fresh energy and talent.
The Street Fighter franchise, a cornerstone of fighting video games since its inception, has seen its share of adaptations, including the 1994 film starring Raúl Juliá as M. Bison and Jean-Claude Van Damme as Guile. Juliá’s portrayal remains iconic, marking his final major screen role before his untimely death. Now, Legendary Entertainment, which acquired the film and television rights from Capcom in April 2023, aims to bring a new live-action adaptation to the screen, with Goggins potentially stepping into the villainous shoes of the Shadaloo leader.
Goggins’ rumored casting is particularly intriguing given his track record portraying complex and menacing characters. His role as Boyd Crowder in FX’s Justified showcased his ability to embody a charismatic yet unpredictable antagonist, while his portrayal of Cooper "The Ghoul" Howard in Fallout demonstrated his skill in navigating morally ambiguous roles within dystopian settings. Industry insiders speculate that Goggins could bring a nuanced, psychological depth to M. Bison, elevating the character beyond a one-dimensional villain to a darkly charismatic cult-like leader.
Alongside Goggins, other casting rumors have surfaced, adding layers to the film’s potential ensemble. Country musician Orville Peck, known for his masked public persona, is reportedly in talks to play Vega, a masked fighter blending Japanese ninjutsu with Spanish bullfighting—a role that fits Peck’s enigmatic image. Comedian Eric André is also expected to appear, possibly as the film’s ring announcer, a role that aligns with André’s comedic background and previous collaboration with director Kitao Sakurai on the 2021 Netflix comedy Bad Trip.
The cast buzz doesn’t stop there. Reports from May 2025 indicated that actors Jason Momoa, Roman Reigns, Andrew Koji, and Noah Centineo were circling the project. Sneider’s newsletter further specified that Centineo is likely to portray Ken Masters, Ryu’s fiery frenemy, while Reigns may take on the role of Akuma, the fierce and enigmatic younger brother of Gouken. Momoa and Koji’s roles remain unconfirmed, but Koji is rumored to be in talks to play Ryu himself, the franchise’s central hero.
These casting choices suggest a blend of established stars and rising talents, aiming to capture the diverse and dynamic nature of the Street Fighter universe. However, despite the promising lineup, the project’s timeline remains uncertain. Sony Pictures removed the film from its theatrical release calendar earlier in 2025, postponing the originally scheduled March 20, 2026 debut. This delay came after the original directors, Danny and Michael Philippou, exited the project in June 2024 due to scheduling conflicts, leading to Kitao Sakurai’s attachment as the new director in February 2025.
Legendary Entertainment’s acquisition of the Street Fighter rights in 2023 marked a significant step toward revitalizing the franchise on screen, especially amid a recent surge in successful video game adaptations. The company’s eagerness to move forward was evident as they swiftly replaced the Philippou brothers with Sakurai to keep the project on track. Nevertheless, the removal of the release date signals that the film is still navigating development hurdles, a common challenge in adapting beloved video games to live-action formats.
The Street Fighter franchise itself boasts a rich history, with over 55 million copies sold globally and a passionate fan base eager for a faithful yet fresh cinematic experience. The character of M. Bison, in particular, embodies themes of corruption, power abuse, and manipulation, often clashing with protagonists like Ryu, Chun-Li, Guile, and Charlie Nash. Goggins’ potential portrayal could redefine this iconic villain, adding layers of psychological intrigue and menace.
Meanwhile, the rumored casting of Orville Peck as Vega is a fascinating choice. Vega’s masked identity and unique fighting style have made him a standout character in the games, and Peck’s masked persona in the music world creates a natural synergy. Eric André’s involvement adds a comedic edge, promising some levity amid the martial arts action.
As for the rest of the cast, the inclusion of actors like Noah Centineo and Roman Reigns taps into a younger demographic and fans of action and wrestling, respectively, potentially broadening the film’s appeal. Jason Momoa’s rumored participation further boosts star power, although his role remains under wraps.
While official casting announcements have yet to be made, the buzz generated by Sneider and other insiders has reignited hope among fans that the long-anticipated Street Fighter reboot is inching closer to reality. The combination of a compelling cast, a director with a fresh vision, and the enduring popularity of the source material sets the stage for what could be a landmark video game adaptation.
However, the film’s future remains tentative until more concrete details emerge. The delay in release and changes in creative leadership underscore the complexities of bringing such a beloved franchise to life on the big screen. Still, with Walton Goggins potentially leading the charge as M. Bison, fans have good reason to stay optimistic about the project’s prospects.
In the meantime, audiences can look forward to Goggins’ return in the upcoming second season of Fallout, where he continues to explore the depths of his antihero persona. If his rumored casting as M. Bison comes to fruition, it will mark another exciting chapter in his career, blending his talent for portraying multifaceted villains with one of gaming’s most infamous characters.
As the Street Fighter movie gears up for what fans hope will be a triumphant return, the industry watches keenly to see if this latest adaptation can finally deliver the knockout punch that previous films missed.
