Noah Centineo is stepping into the world of Street Fighter, bringing one of gaming’s most recognizable characters, Ken Masters, to life in Paramount Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ big-screen adaptation of the iconic Capcom franchise.

Directed by Kitao Sakurai, the film takes audiences back to 1993, where estranged fighters Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Centineo) are reunited when the mysterious Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the World Warrior Tournament. What begins as a battle for supremacy soon reveals a dangerous conspiracy that forces the former brothers-in-arms to confront their troubled past.

Jessica Acosta sat down with Centineo during the film’s Miami press day to discuss his approach to playing Ken, the emotional relationship between Ken and Ryu, and the deeper themes behind the action-packed adventure.

For Centineo, bringing such a beloved video game character to the screen meant honoring what fans already love while exploring new dimensions of his personality.

“We were so fortunate to have such an iconic video game,” Centineo explained. “We had a real blueprint of these characters and who they were, the best parts of them and what people loved so much about them.”

To develop those characters, Centineo, Koji, Liang, and Sakurai spent six weeks together in Australia before filming began, discussing their motivations, relationships, and individual journeys.

While Ken and Ryu are best known as longtime friends and rivals in the video games, the film introduces a more complicated relationship shaped by tragedy, insecurity, and years of separation.

“Ken’s entire personality for the first 90% of the film comes from this falling out with Ryu,” Centineo revealed, explaining how feelings of abandonment and unresolved pain influence his character’s decisions.

That emotional conflict becomes central to the story, giving audiences an opportunity to understand what drives Ken beyond his confidence and fighting abilities.

But beneath the rivalries, spectacular battles, and familiar characters, Centineo believes Street Fighter delivers a meaningful message about family and reconciliation.

“Even though mistakes were made, human mistakes were made, and the dark sides of Ryu and Ken got the best of them, in the end, they still choose their brotherhood and their family,” he shared. “And I think that’s really a powerful message. You can work through things.”

With an ensemble cast that includes Jason Momoa, David Dastmalchian, Roman Reigns, and 50 Cent, Street Fighter brings the legendary fighting franchise to theaters with a new story that balances explosive action with the emotional journeys of its characters.

Street Fighter is now playing in theaters nationwide.