The latest look at Jason Momoa as Blanka in the upcoming live-action Street Fighter film is unlikely to settle debates about the character’s challenging design. A realistic version of Capcom’s green, electricity-wielding mutant was always going to be difficult to bring to the screen, and this new fight clip makes the result look especially uncanny.
The footage shows Blanka facing Andrew Koji’s Ryu in a rough-looking street fight. Momoa is one of the film’s most recognisable names, and he appears fully committed to the role, even though the combination of his likeness, green skin and digital effects produces a distinctly unsettling impression.
The wider cast is an unusual mix for a Street Fighter adaptation. It includes rapper 50 Cent and an anti-woke online personality among the performers taking on characters from Capcom’s fighting-game roster. That unconventional casting adds another layer of curiosity to a film already attempting to translate highly stylised arcade characters into live action.
The confrontation appears to take place inside a grimy prison cage, with dim lighting that makes Blanka’s appearance even more disturbing. The limited visibility may be contributing to the uncanny effect, and a later scene in a different setting could present the character more convincingly.
For readers who enjoy the games behind the film, RETROCADE’s arcade blog covers classic arcade news and gaming culture. Those inspired to revisit fighting games at home can also explore arcade machines or compare options in the arcade machine buying guide.
When is the Street Fighter movie released?
Street Fighter is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 16. Although the ensemble cast includes plenty of notable names, Ryu and Ken appear set to remain central to the story, with the two rivals seemingly facing a difficult period in their relationship.
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