50 Cent Rumored to Play Balrog in Legendary’s Street Fighter Reboot

A Knockout Role for Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson?

The cast for Legendary Pictures’ upcoming Street Fighter movie reboot is beginning to take shape, and a surprising name may be entering the ring, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. The rapper-turned-actor is rumored to be in talks to play Balrog, the disgraced boxing champion known for his brute strength and controversial past in the video game franchise.

While no official statement has been released by Legendary, 50 Cent himself sparked speculation by posting a cryptic teaser on social media that seemed to confirm the news. Given his gritty screen persona and previous action roles, fans are already debating whether this casting could be a perfect fit.

Who Is Balrog in Street Fighter Lore?

Balrog first appeared in Street Fighter II: The World Warrior in 1991. Known for his no-nonsense attitude and powerful punches, Balrog was modeled after real-life boxer Mike Tyson. In fact, the character was originally named M. Bison in Japan, but legal concerns led to a reshuffling of character names when the game launched in Western markets.

Balrog’s in-game storyline presents him as a former prizefighter banned from professional boxing for his violent behavior. He joins the criminal organization Shadaloo, acting as one of M. Bison’s most loyal enforcers.

If cast, 50 Cent would bring not only physicality but also a layered performance to a role that has traditionally been one-dimensional. His background in portraying hardened, ambitious characters could give the character new depth on screen.

The Street Fighter Reboot: What We Know So Far

The project is being developed by Legendary Entertainment, the studio behind hits like Dune and Godzilla vs. Kong. Originally set to be directed by Danny and Michael Philippou (of Talk to Me fame), the brothers exited due to scheduling conflicts. Director Kitao Sakurai, best known for Bad Trip, is now set to helm the film. The script is being penned by Dalan Musson of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

Casting is shaping up fast. Confirmed roles include Callina Liang as Chun-Li, and confirmed cast members include Andrew Koji, Noah Centineo, Jason Momoa, Roman Reigns, and Orville Peck, though their roles are currently undisclosed.

Street Fighter’s Rocky Film History

Live-action adaptations of Street Fighter have struggled in the past. The 1994 version, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and the late Raúl Juliá, became a cult classic despite critical backlash. Its 2009 follow-up, Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, was a commercial and critical failure.

However, with a new generation of talent and a bigger production budget, Legendary aims to create a Street Fighter movie that respects the game’s roots while appealing to modern audiences.

Could 50 Cent Deliver a KO as Balrog?

50 Cent’s previous roles in projects like Power, Escape Plan, and Den of Thieves prove he has the screen presence to play a physically intimidating antihero. Whether or not he has the nuance to portray Balrog’s internal struggle remains to be seen.

As excitement builds, fans of both the franchise and the rapper will be watching closely for official confirmation. If 50 Cent does join the cast, it could be the unexpected casting choice that turns the tide for the Street Fighter live-action franchise.

Source: JoBlo