Street Fighter 1994 Cast Then & Now (2025 Update)

It’s hard to believe it’s been over three decades since the live-action Street Fighter movie first high-kicked its way into cinemas in 1994. Based on the massively popular video game franchise, the film brought iconic characters like Guile, M. Bison, Chun-Li, and Ryu to the big screen in a vibrant, albeit campy, action-adventure. While critically panned by many at the time, it garnered a cult following and remains a nostalgic favourite for those who grew up with the game and the era.

But what have the stars of this memorable (for better or worse!) video game adaptation been up to since they battled for the fate of Shadaloo? Let’s power up and see where the cast of Street Fighter is now in our 2025 update!

Colonel William F. Guile

Played by Jean-Claude Van Damme

Then: The “Muscles from Brussels”, Jean-Claude Van Damme, was at the peak of his action hero fame when he took on the lead role of Colonel Guile, the all-American hero determined to take down the villainous M. Bison.  Van Damme brought his signature martial arts prowess and accent to the role, delivering memorable lines and, of course, the iconic Flash Kick (or a cinematic version of it!).

Now: JCVD has continued to be a prominent figure in the action genre, starring in numerous films, including The Expendables 2, and even showing his comedic and dramatic range in projects like JCVD, where he played a semi-fictionalised version of himself. He remains active in filmmaking, often in direct-to-video actioners, and maintains a strong fanbase. He’s also embraced his legacy, often with a self-aware sense of humour.

General M. Bison

Played by Raul Julia

Then: Julia delivered an unforgettable and often lauded performance as the megalomaniacal dictator General M. Bison. Despite the film’s overall tone, Julia committed fully to the role, chewing scenery with delightful villainy and delivering lines like “For me, it was Tuesday” with aplomb. This was, tragically, one of his final roles.

Now: Sadly, Raul Julia passed away in October 1994, shortly before the film’s release, after complications from a stroke. His performance in Street Fighter is often cited as a highlight of the film and a testament to his talent, even in a campy blockbuster. He is remembered for a distinguished career that included iconic roles in The Addams Family, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and numerous stage productions. His legacy as a brilliant actor endures.

Chun-Li Zang

Played by Ming-Na Wen

Then: Ming-Na Wen portrayed the determined news reporter and skilled martial artist Chun-Li, seeking revenge against Bison for the death of her father. She brought athleticism and charisma to one of the most iconic female characters in video game history.

Now: Ming-Na Wen has had an incredibly successful and diverse career since Street Fighter. She famously voiced Disney’s Mulan, starred for many seasons in the medical drama ER, and gained a new generation of fans as Melinda May in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. More recently, she’s made her mark in the Star Wars universe as Fennec Shand in The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and The Bad Batch. She’s a celebrated actress with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Ken Masters

Played by Damian Chapa

Then: Damian Chapa played Ken Masters, Ryu’s con-artist partner, bringing a slick, somewhat arrogant charm to the American martial artist. He and Ryu were portrayed more as bumbling hustlers than the stoic warriors of the game.

Now: Following Street Fighter, Damian Chapa has continued to act, often in independent films, and has also stepped behind the camera as a writer, director, and producer for numerous projects. His career has been more focused on the indie circuit, and he’s had a prolific output in that space.

Ryu Hoshi

Played by Byron Mann

Then: Byron Mann took on the role of Ryu, Ken’s partner-in-crime in the film’s narrative. While the character in the game is a central protagonist, the movie version of Ryu was more of a supporting character to Guile, alongside Ken.

Now: Byron Mann has built a solid and consistent career in both film and television. He’s appeared in numerous TV shows like Arrow, The Expanse, and Wu Assassins, and movies such as Skyscraper and The Big Short. He remains a recognisable face in Hollywood, often playing intense and action-orientated roles.

Cammy White

Played by Kylie Minogue

Then: International pop superstar Kylie Minogue made a surprising appearance as Lieutenant Cammy White, Guile’s intelligence officer. While her role was relatively small, her star power brought extra attention to the film.

Now: Kylie Minogue’s music career has continued to soar, cementing her status as a global pop icon with countless hits, awards, and sold-out tours. While music remains her primary focus, she has occasionally returned to acting in films and television shows, including Moulin Rouge! and Doctor Who. She’s a beloved entertainer worldwide.

Sagat

Played by Wes Studi

Then: The esteemed Wes Studi, known for his powerful portrayals of Native American characters, played Viktor Sagat, the eyepatch-wearing cage fighter and arms dealer under Bison’s thumb.

Now: Wes Studi has continued his highly respected acting career, appearing in acclaimed films like Avatar, Hostiles, and A Love Song. He received an Academy Honorary Award in 2019 for his distinguished career and his significant contributions to cinema, particularly in portraying Native American characters with authenticity and depth.

Rounding Out the Roster: Other Notable Faces from Shadaloo

While we’ve focused on some of the main players, Street Fighter (1994) featured a colourful ensemble cast, bringing even more game characters to life – often in unique ways! Fans will undoubtedly remember these other key performers who contributed to the film’s chaotic charm. Here’s a brief look at them, including their approximate ages when the film was released and their ages in 2025 (or at the time of their passing).

• Andrew Bryniarski as Zangief:
  (Born February 13, 1969)
  The towering, red-clad wrestler was one of M. Bison’s more memorable henchmen. Bryniarski was around 25 years old when Street Fighter premiered. In 2025, he is 56 years old.
• Miguel A. Núñez Jr as Dee Jay:
  (Born August 11, 1964)
  The smooth-talking, tech-savvy hacker for Bison Jr was approximately 30 years old during the film’s release. He is 60 or 61 years old in 2025.
• Peter “Navy” Tuiasosopo as E. Honda:
  (Born December 22, 1963 – Died February 10, 2025)
  Portrayed as part of Chun-Li’s news crew, the actor was around 30 years old when the movie came out. Sadly, Peter Tuiasosopo passed away in February 2025 at the age of 61.
• Grand L. Bush as Balrog:
  (Born December 24, 1955)
  Also part of Chun-Li’s team as a cameraman, Bush was around 38 years old at the time of the film’s release. He is 69 years old in 2025.
• Roshan Seth as Dr Dhalsim:
  (Born April 2, 1942)
  The kidnapped scientist was forced to work for Bison. The distinguished actor was approximately 52 years old when Street Fighter was released. In 2025, he is 83 years old.
• Robert Mammone as Carlos “Charlie” Blanka:
  (Born 1969)
  Guile’s friend who tragically transforms into Blanka. Mammone was likely around 25 years old during the movie’s release. He is 55 or 56 years old in 2025.

These actors and their portrayals, reflecting a range of ages and career stages even back in 1994, all added to the unique and enduring cult status of the Street Fighter movie.

The Legacy of Street Fighter (1994)

Street Fighter (1994) is a curious piece of 90s cinema. Upon release, it was met with largely negative reviews, criticised for its campy tone, deviation from the source material, and often nonsensical plot. However, time has been somewhat kind to it in a different way. It’s now widely regarded as a “so bad it’s good” cult classic, a guilty pleasure for many who appreciate its over-the-top performances (especially Raul Julia’s), cheesy dialogue, and earnest, if misguided, attempt to bring a beloved game to life.

Financially, it was a success, proving that the Street Fighter brand had immense pull. It stands as a memorable, if flawed, example of the early wave of video game-to-movie adaptations.

A Nostalgic Round One!

The cast of Street Fighter (1994) have certainly taken diverse paths since their on-screen battles. From continued Hollywood stardom to legendary pop careers and, sadly, poignant farewells, their journeys are as varied as the characters they portrayed.

While the film itself might be a wild, chaotic ride, it undoubtedly holds a special, nostalgic place in the hearts of many 90s kids and video game fans. What are your favourite memories of the Street Fighter movie? Who was your favourite character? Share your thoughts in the comments below!