Jason Momoa has never been shy about going big. Whether he's wielding a trident as Aquaman, channeling pure chaos in Fast X, or stepping into Chief of War with volcanic gravitas, subtlety isn't the word you reach for. Which is why his latest casting makes a strange sort of perfect sense: Momoa is Blanka in Street Fighter.
Yes, that Blanka. The green-skinned, electric-shock-wielding wild man who first burst out of Street Fighter II arcade cabinets in 1991. A character as absurd as he is iconic, and one fans never thought Hollywood would dare tackle. But Momoa isn't hedging his bets. As he told The Playlist while promoting Chief of War:
“There's no one better to play Blanka, so that's why I'm doing it. We'll do what the audience would like to see — practical, CG — we're gonna do our best. The cast is insane. My son and I play it; it's the only game I played.”
The Cast Is a Knockout on Paper
Kitao Sakurai (Bad Trip) is directing, and the lineup looks like a fever dream of fan casting made real. Andrew Koji is Ryu, Noah Centineo is Ken, Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes are bringing WWE muscle to Akuma and Guile, 50 Cent is Balrog (yes, that 50 Cent), and Callina Liang is stepping in as Chun-Li.
Now add Momoa's Blanka to the mix, and suddenly this isn't just another video game adaptation—it's an all-star arena fight.
Lessons from the Gaming Boom
Hollywood has learned, finally, that gaming adaptations don't have to be embarrassing. Sonic the Hedgehog, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, HBO's The Last of Us, and Amazon's Fallout have all proven that audiences will show up if you respect the source and build a real story around it.
The trick with Street Fighter—a franchise more about character quirks and matchups than plot—is tone. Get too campy and it becomes a meme. Get too self-serious and you've missed the point. Sakurai's challenge will be finding that sweet spot, and Momoa's performance may be the biggest swing.
Blanka, Reimagined
Blanka has always been the odd one out in the Street Fighter lineup—less sleek martial artist, more jungle beast with a tragic backstory. Translating that into live action requires more than green paint and prosthetic teeth. Momoa has the physicality, but also the offbeat energy to keep the character from sinking into parody.
The actor himself seems determined to balance spectacle with practical effects. If they can mix makeup, stunt work, and some smart CG enhancement, Blanka could be more than cosplay with a budget. He could actually feel dangerous.
Release Date Locked
Capcom and Legendary have already circled the date: Street Fighter punches into theaters worldwide on October 16, 2026. No trailer yet, but with a cast this stacked and Momoa hyping his own transformation, the buzz machine is warming up. Expect a first look sometime in mid-2025, likely timed with a major convention.
Why Jason Momoa's Blanka Could Work
- A Role That Fits His Persona – Momoa thrives on big, primal characters; Blanka is nothing if not primal.
- Cast Chemistry – A diverse lineup of fighters, from seasoned martial artists to wrestling showmen, means sparks will fly.
- Proven Gaming Momentum – With recent adaptations succeeding, Street Fighter is arriving at the right time.
- Practical Meets Digital – Momoa's insistence on blending CG with physical work suggests a more tactile, visceral Blanka.
- Fan Investment – Nostalgia runs deep. Even casual gamers know Blanka's electric shock.
Final Thoughts
I've seen a lot of video game adaptations crash before takeoff, but there's a reckless energy to this one that feels different. Maybe it's Sakurai's outsider sensibility, maybe it's the absurdly bold casting, or maybe it's just Momoa's unshakable confidence.
Whatever the case, I wouldn't bet against him.
Street Fighter opens October 16, 2026. Who's your pick for the breakout character—Momoa's Blanka, or someone else in this over-the-top lineup?
References
- The Playlist – Jason Momoa interview on Chief of War and Street Fighter
