Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson steps into the ring as Balrog in 'Street Fighter'

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is stepping into the iconic world of "Street Fighter", the live-action adaptation of the popular Capcom video game. 

The rapper-turned-actor and businessman has been cast as Balrog, a disgraced boxer and bodyguard to the film’s villain.

Joining Jackson in this star-studded ensemble are WWE superstar Joe Anoa’i, better known as Roman Reigns, who will portray the fearsome battler Akuma and martial artist Andrew Koji, celebrated for his role in "Warrior", taking on the lead character Ryu.

Rounding out the cast is Callina Liang, who will play Chun-Li, Jason Momoa as Blanka, heartthrob Noah Centineo as Ken and country singer Orville Peck as Vega.

As Jackson prepares for his role as Balrog, online reports indicate that he is fully committed to the character, engaging in extensive training and performing his own stunts.

The hip hop mogul, known for his rigorous work ethic, took to Instagram celebrating his new role with the post, “No Days off, Let’s work all roads lead to Shreveport Boom.” 

The film, directed by Kitao Sakurai of The Eric Andre Show, began production in August in Australia, with the collaboration of Legendary Entertainment and Capcom promising a fresh take on the classic franchise. 

The details of the film’s plot remain tightly under wraps, keeping both diehard fans and newcomers to the franchise guessing. 

"Street Fighter", originally launched as an arcade game in 1987, quickly ascended to pop culture prestige with the release of "Street Fighter II" in 1991, which revolutionised one-on-one gaming.

The latest entry, "Street Fighter 6", debuted in June 2023, garnering acclaim as the best fighting game from the Game Awards.

Jackson's thriving Hollywood career includes more than just his comeback to the big screen.

He is known for his success as a producer on "Power", and he's also been busy with several projects, including upcoming films like "SkillHouse" and "Free Agents".

Meanwhile, "Street Fighter" has attracted attention not only for its casting but also for its potential to rectify the missteps of the past.

Fans yearn for a true portrayal of the series after the 1994 adaptation, which starred Jean-Claude Van Damme and was a commercial and critical failure.

With an ensemble that features A-listers, hopes are high that this adaptation can encapsulate the spirit and thrill of the franchise.

The film is slated for release on March 20, 2026.