Street Fighter Movie 2026: Volkanovski Plays Joe
The Street Fighter movie arrives in theaters on October 16, 2026, and one of its biggest surprises is a real UFC star. Alexander Volkanovski plays Joe, a character from the very first Street Fighter game.
Here is what UFC fans need to know before opening weekend.
Who does Alexander Volkanovski play in the Street Fighter movie?
Volkanovski plays Joe, an underground full-contact karate champion. Joe appeared in the original 1987 Capcom game as one of the computer-controlled opponents, and he is known for his blond hair and American roots.
It is an unusual pick. Joe is one of the lesser-known characters, which makes his casting a fun Easter egg for longtime fans of the series.
Volkanovski has said he enjoys acting and had been open to more roles, though this is a high-profile step for an active fighter. For more, read StakeUFC’s breakdown of Volkanovski as Joe.
Street Fighter movie release date and details
- Release date: October 16, 2026, in theaters and IMAX
- Studios: Legendary Pictures and Capcom, distributed by Paramount Pictures
- Director: Kitao Sakurai
- Setting: 1993, built around the World Warrior Tournament
The story follows Ryu and Ken, who are pulled back into action when Chun-Li recruits them for a brutal tournament. Behind it, a deadly conspiracy forces them to face each other and their pasts.
Street Fighter movie cast
The cast mixes actors with fighters and wrestlers:
- Andrew Koji as Ryu
- Noah Centineo as Ken Masters
- Callina Liang as Chun-Li
- Jason Momoa as Blanka
- Cody Rhodes as Guile
- Roman Reigns as Akuma
- Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog
- David Dastmalchian as M. Bison
- Alexander Volkanovski as Joe
Early reaction to the cast was mixed. Some fans called it unusual, while others liked the nod to combat sports. We will find out how it plays now that the film is out.
How this Street Fighter movie compares to the 1994 film
The last big live-action try was the 1994 film with Jean-Claude Van Damme, a campy cult favorite that critics did not love. The 2026 version aims to feel more like the arcade games, with a tournament plot and a roster built mostly around the Street Fighter II era. Reports on the first trailer described a playful, over-the-top tone, so expect fun action rather than a grim fight drama.
When does Volkanovski fight next?
Volkanovski has a major fight just after the premiere. He is set to headline a featherweight title fight against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 on October 24, 2026. See the full card and start times on StakeUFC’s UFC 333 guide.
He is also one of the top-ranked fighters in the sport. Recent lists placed him second pound-for-pound behind Islam Makhachev. See where everyone stands in our guide to the #1 UFC fighter.
Why this matters for UFC fans
UFC stars rarely appear in big studio films while still competing at the top. A movie role, followed a week later by a title fight, gives Volkanovski a huge audience.
If you search for the Street Fighter movie this week, expect plenty of fighter crossover talk. Keep up with the latest at MMA Fighting and StakeUFC.
FAQs
When is the Street Fighter movie released? October 16, 2026.
Who plays Joe in the Street Fighter movie? UFC fighter Alexander Volkanovski.
Who is Joe in Street Fighter? A character from the original 1987 game, an underground karate champion.
When is Volkanovski’s next fight? UFC 333 on October 24, 2026, against Movsar Evloev.
Details are accurate as of October 16, 2026.