Capcom’s Street Fighter series is one of the greatest fighting game franchises of all time. During it’s 30 year run, we have seen it adapted into comics, movies, and cartoons. The latest adaption, “Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist”, has become a popular web series that is faithful to the source material. Thanks to Canadian distribution company, Entertainment One (also known as eOne) has closed a deal to develop, produce and finance a TV series based upon the Street Fighter games. Teaming up with members of the team behind Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist, the planned adaption will tell the World Warrior arc of Street Fighter II. Much like the animated feature film “Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie”, the series will focus on Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li and Guile as they join forces to take down the Shadowlaw organization and its dictator leader M. Bison, who organizes the World Warrior tournament to search for the strongest fighters to join the ranks of Shadowlaw.
In an article from Deadline Hollywood, eOne President and Chief Content Officer, Mark Gordon says:
Street Fighter is a global tour de force franchise, having garnered immense worldwide commercial success and built a vast devoted fanbase that has only grown through its 30 year legacy. We are thrilled to be teaming up with Joey, Jacqueline and Mark, who are already so deeply connected to this brand, to bring this adored story to television audiences everywhere. A particular strength of Street Fighter is the wide range of ethnically diverse characters and powerful women featured in the game. It will allow us to build an inclusive and engaging TV universe.
Given Street Fighter’s (or any fighting game) history when it comes to live action, there will be skepticism among fans in the fighting game community. However, Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist has proven that a live action fighting game series is doable so long as attention to the source material is paid and utilized well. Until then, we can only hope.
Source: Deadline Hollywood
