Entertainment · Film · 4 hrs ago
Street Fighter director says film was designed to be absurd and playful
The Street Fighter movie was made to be playful and absurd, director Kitao Sakurai says.
The film, based on Capcom’s fighting game series, opened in theaters on October 16.
Sakurai says Legendary, the studio behind it, wanted a high-energy style rather than a dark, grounded approach.
He drew on lessons from The Eric Andre Show, aiming to keep every moment interesting even when events seem ridiculous.
Critics and audiences have responded differently: the film has a 41% critics’ score and a 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The movie has earned more than $55 million worldwide, and it is the number one film in North America.
A sequel is being considered, but no plans are set, Sakurai says; he would like to tell more of the story.
Director Kitao Sakurai said Street Fighter was designed around silliness, absurdity and over-the-top energy, rather than a gritty, grounded style.
Sakurai said Legendary producer Cale Boyter supported that vision for the film.
He said lessons from The Eric Andre Show helped him focus on making every minute interesting, even when events did not make narrative sense.
Some fans had wanted a darker, more grounded adaptation, while the film’s tone has sparked debate.
Sakurai said there are no concrete plans for a sequel, though he would like to tell more of the story.
- Who
- Director Kitao Sakurai and producer Cale Boyter at Legendary.
- What
- The film was shaped as an absurd, playful action comedy rather than a gritty, grounded adaptation.
- When
- Sakurai discussed the film in an interview published on October 22, 2026.
- Where
- The film was released in theaters; the interview was with The Hollywood Reporter.
- Why
- Sakurai said Legendary wanted an absurd style, and he was drawn to comedy, craziness and energy.
Some fans seeking a darker, grounded film
Kitao Sakurai and Legendary
Tone
Some fans seeking a darker, grounded film
Some fans wanted a darker and more grounded adaptation.
Kitao Sakurai and Legendary
Sakurai said the film was intended to be silly, absurd and gonzo.
Creative approach
Some fans seeking a darker, grounded film
A grounded style was preferred by some fans.
Kitao Sakurai and Legendary
Sakurai said he would not have got the job by pitching a Batman Begins-style film.
Street Fighter hit theaters, according to GameSpot.
GameSpot and IGN published interviews and reporting on Sakurai’s comments about the film’s tone.
- Director
- Kitao Sakurai
- Producer
- Cale Boyter of Legendary
- Theatrical release
- October 16, 2026
- Worldwide box office
- More than $55 million, according to GameSpot
- Rotten Tomatoes ratings
- 41% Tomatometer and 78% Popcornmeter, according to IGN
3 sources
‘Street Fighter’ Director Kitao Sakurai Breaks Down His Wild Video Game Adaptation
Why Street Fighter Movie Goes For “Gonzo” Vibes Instead of Gritty And Grounded
Street Fighter Was Never Going to Be a Dark, Grounded Batman Begins-Style Movie, Director Insists — the Studio Wanted Silliness and Absurdity
What people are saying
There’s a silliness to it, and there’s an absurdity to the world and the characters and how they interact.
every minute needs to be interesting.
We haven’t put pen to paper.