The fighting game community is now officially part of the on-screen world of Hasbro’s upcoming Street Fighter movie, after real-world legends Justin Wong, IFC Yipes, and Maximilian Dood were confirmed to have played criminals imprisoned within the film’s Shadaloo facility. Director Kitao Sakurai deliberately cast the three pillars of the competitive scene so that they could bring authentic commentary skills to their roles, appearing as inmates watching Blanka (Jason Momoa) and Ryu (Andrew Koji) fight for M. Bison’s amusement.
The trio was first spotted in a brief teaser trailer back in July, but it wasn’t until October 1 that Wong shared behind-the-scenes footage of his time on set. The newly released clips offer a much closer look at the scene Wong shares with Yipes, revealing how deeply the actors were integrated into the production’s love letter to gaming culture.
A Bet Made in Ramen and Toilet Paper
Prior to Wong’s footage, audiences only glimpsed the two fighting game pros-turned-commentators reacting enthusiastically to the brawl between Blanka and Ryu. The newly released material shows them actively calling the match while placing bets on commissary rations, wagering items such as ramen noodles and toilet paper on the outcome of the fight.
The scene captures the genuine camaraderie and humor that defines these community figures, translating their real-life streaming personalities into a natural cinematic moment. Rather than simply appearing as cameos, the three actors were given actual characters to inhabit within the film’s prison setting, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to the world-building.
“My character got sent to prison for stabbing someone who kept parrying him. You can’t parry a knife.”
Justin Wong
The Meaning Behind Number 37
Beyond the dialogue, Wong worked with the makeup department to give his character a tattoo bearing the number 37 — an inside reference that longtime fans of the competitive scene will immediately recognize. The choice ties directly into Wong’s own history and reputation within the fighting game community.
The number also became relevant during filming when Wong was recognized by actor Noah Centineo, who plays Ken in the movie. Centineo asked which member of the group had been responsible for parrying Ken during a memorable fight sequence. Wong sheepishly admitted that he was actually the one who got parried rather than the other way around, and later took the opportunity to teach Centineo some moves from the game.
A Universe Connected Through Props
The influencers were also given a tour of several of the film’s sets, where they examined various props used during production. One item in particular drew attention: what appeared to be Mike Haggar’s signature pipe. Including such an element would serve as a clever nod to Final Fight, which shares the same fictional universe as Street Fighter.
The reference underscores how carefully the filmmakers have woven together elements from across Capcom’s broader gaming legacy, rewarding attentive viewers with layers of Easter eggs and connections that span multiple franchises.
Looking Ahead
As anticipation builds for the film’s release, Wong’s behind-the-scenes footage has only deepened excitement among fans who appreciate how authentically the production has embraced its source material. The inclusion of real fighting game personalities lends a credibility and warmth that resonates with the community from which the franchise originally grew.
Fans continue to anticipate further reveals about the movie, particularly as more behind-the-scenes content surfaces online. For now, the collaboration between Sakurai’s team and figures like Wong, Yipes, and Dood stands as a standout example of how Hollywood can honor gaming culture while crafting an entertaining cinematic experience.
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