If there was one character fans were waiting to see in action, it was Akuma.
A brand-new TV spot for the upcoming live-action Street Fighter movie has finally given us our best look yet at Roman Reigns stepping into the role of one of the franchise's most feared fighters. The footage debuted during SummerSlam, making for a pretty fitting stage to introduce a character whose entire existence revolves around overwhelming power and brutal combat.
Even though Street Fighter isn't a horror franchise, Akuma has always carried a darker presence than almost everyone else on the roster. He's more than just another martial artist. Consumed by the Satsui no Hado, Akuma abandoned his humanity in pursuit of absolute strength, becoming a warrior driven by murderous intent and an endless search for worthy opponents. His intimidating appearance, supernatural abilities, and relentless mindset have made him one of gaming's most iconic villains for decades.
The latest footage shows Roman Reigns fully embracing that intimidating presence. While previous promotional material only teased the character, this TV spot gives fans a much better idea of how Akuma will look and move on the big screen. His physical build alone makes Reigns an interesting choice for the role, and seeing him bring the legendary fighter to life is sure to have both WWE and Street Fighter fans talking.
The film takes place in 1993, following estranged fighters Ryu and Ken Masters as they're drawn back together by Chun-Li to compete in the next World Warrior Tournament. What begins as a global martial arts competition quickly uncovers a much larger conspiracy, forcing former allies to confront both each other and the darkness of their pasts before it's game over.
Directed by Kitao Sakurai, the film promises to bring plenty of classic Street Fighter action to theaters, complete with familiar characters, devastating special moves, and the larger-than-life battles fans have been waiting to see in live action.
While CosplayHorror usually keeps its focus on horror, Akuma has always been one of those characters who blurs the line between action and dark fantasy. His demonic appearance, supernatural powers, and sinister reputation have earned him a place among gaming's most memorable villains, making him impossible for us to ignore.
Street Fighter punches its way into theaters on October 16, 2026. Until then, this latest TV spot gives us our strongest look yet at what Roman Reigns has in store as the Master of the Fist.
