50 Cent Joins 'Street Fighter' Movie as Balrog

The highly anticipated Street Fighter live-action movie is heating up, and it's just added a major powerhouse to its cast. Rapper, actor, and producer 50 Cent is stepping into the ring as Balrog, the fierce ex-boxer-turned-enforcer from the iconic Street Fighter video game series.

Legendary Entertainment, which secured the film and TV rights to Street Fighter in 2023, has been carefully assembling an impressive lineup over the past year. While the plot remains a mystery, the cast already promises a star-studded action extravaganza. Jason Momoa will electrify audiences as Blanka, Noah Centineo takes on the role of the cocky fighter Ken, and country star Orville Peck is bringing Vega to life with his signature mask and deadly claws. WWE superstar Roman Reigns (aka Joe Anoa'i) will play the menacing Akuma, while Warrior actor Andrew Koji and rising star Callina Liang are set to portray Ryu and Chun-Li, respectively.

Now, in a move that's sure to electrify fans, 50 Cent—born Curtis Jackson—has officially joined the cast as Balrog. First introduced in Street Fighter II, Balrog is a former boxer who works as an enforcer for the ruthless criminal mastermind Vega. The character, originally named “Mike Bison” (a nod to boxing legend Mike Tyson), was changed to avoid legal issues, but he’s remained one of the series' most notorious villains.

In preparation for the role, 50 Cent is undergoing intense physical training and plans to perform his own stunts. Known for his tough guy persona, this isn't his first foray into acting. He’s already made a name for himself on Power, the hit crime drama where he not only acted but also served as executive producer. But the Street Fighter movie is set to push his talents into new, action-packed territory, blending his gritty edge with a more lighthearted, martial-arts fueled adventure.

Fans of 50 Cent’s bold humor and no-holds-barred style will be excited to see how his unique energy fits into the over-the-top action of Street Fighter. Known for his witty trolling, 50 Cent’s participation raises an interesting question: how will his raw, fearless presence mix with the fantastical world of martial arts and street fighting?

The film is set to start production in August in Australia, under the direction of Kitao Sakurai, known for his work on Bad Trip and The Eric Andre Show. Though no official release date has been announced, this star-studded cast and their intense preparation suggest the movie will be an action-packed spectacle worth waiting for.