New Street Fighter Movie Gets Director from Eric Andre Show

The long-awaited new Street Fighter live-action movie has shifted its direction once again, with Kitao Sakurai, known for his work on The Eric Andre Show, stepping in as the new director. Despite a release date of March 20, 2026, uncertainty looms about whether the film will meet this timeline, especially considering the project has lacked a director until early 2025. The departure of original directors Danny and Michael Philippou raised questions about the film’s progress, and with no details about casting or script developments, further delays seem likely. However, there's hope that Sakurai's experience with fast-paced productions may steer the project back on course, as he brings a unique blend of comedy and cultural references that resonate with the source material, Street Fighter. Capcom is pushing for quicker transitions on projects to capitalize on the brand’s recent success.

While a release date has been set, the film's development has faced significant delays, raising doubts about whether it can be completed on time. The absence of a director until recently further complicates the timeline, suggesting a likelihood of postponement.

The Street Fighter franchise has been a cornerstone of the fighting game genre since its inception in the late 1980s, inspiring a global community of gamers and several adaptations across media, including films and comics. Given the recent success of Street Fighter 6, there is heightened anticipation for the film to resonate with both longtime fans and a new generation. The latest game installment has embraced modern gaming trends while staying true to its roots, making this film adaptation an important part of revitalizing interest in the franchise.