WWE’s Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes has opened up about his exciting role as Guile in the highly anticipated new Street Fighter film, offering fans insight into his commitment to the physical demands of the part and what they can expect from the movie. Rhodes, who is fresh off a major title win in WWE, revealed he insisted on performing his own stunts in the movie, embracing the character’s intense action sequences.
Cody Rhodes Embraces the Physicality of Guile
Known for his athleticism and intensity inside the squared circle, Cody Rhodes told The Pat McAfee Show that bringing Guile to life felt like a natural fit given the character’s tough, disciplined military background. Playing a U.S. Air Force pilot in search of justice for his fallen comrade, Guile required not just acting chops but stamina and fearless stunt work.
Rhodes was clear he wanted to maximize his involvement in the physical stunts. “I was adamant that anything that’s a stunt, I’m gonna do it. If that requires me being on these wires, I wanna do it,” Rhodes explained. He praised the film’s stunt coordinator, known simply as JV, and their capable team, who supported him in safely pushing his limits on set. This hands-on approach reflects Rhodes’ long history of performing high-risk maneuvers in WWE, where he has earned a reputation for toughness and creativity in the ring[1].
A Love Letter to Street Fighter Fans
Rhodes also highlighted the film as a sincere tribute to fans of the legendary franchise, especially the iconic Street Fighter II video game. He described the movie as “unbelievable” fan service, promising a faithful depiction of classic characters like Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, and the climactic villain M. Bison.
The star power extends beyond Rhodes, with WWE star Roman Reigns joining the cast in the role of Akuma. Other notable actors include Jason Momoa as Blanka and NJPW’s Hirooki Goto portraying E. Honda, underscoring the movie’s blend of athleticism and Hollywood charisma[1][3].
Cody Rhodes’ Transition from WWE Champion to Hollywood Action Star
Cody Rhodes’ participation in Street Fighter marks another milestone in his expanding career beyond WWE. As the current Undisputed WWE Champion, Rhodes has delivered memorable performances inside the ring, recently defeating John Cena in a brutal street fight at SummerSlam 2025.
Sources close to Rhodes reveal the filming schedule gave him a necessary but welcome break from WWE’s relentless pace, allowing him to focus fully on his cinematic debut. His stamina and in-ring experience make him ideally suited for Guile, a character who epitomizes discipline and resilience. According to a WWE insider, “Cody brought the same intensity to the set as he does to WWE live events. He’s a natural action star who insists on authenticity in every scene”[2][4].
Iconic Guile Look and Character Legacy
Fans have already been treated to a shadowy first look at Rhodes as Guile, showcasing the character’s signature flat-top haircut and military-style attire that faithfully mirror the video game icon. This commitment to visual authenticity has generated excitement within both WWE and Street Fighter communities, fueling anticipation for the film’s 2026 release date.
Guile, originally introduced in 1991’s Street Fighter II, is one of the franchise’s most popular characters—known for his disciplined fighting style and strong sense of justice. Rhodes steps into big shoes previously filled by Jean-Claude Van Damme in the 1994 live-action adaptation, bringing his own athletic flair and WWE-honed charisma to the role[1][2][3].
What’s Next for Cody Rhodes?
With Street Fighter filming wrapped and a release date set for October 16, 2026, Rhodes is expected to return to WWE programming, continuing his run as a top champion. Rumors swirl around an upcoming title feud with Drew McIntyre at the Clash In Paris event, keeping fans eager to see how Cody balances his dual roles as wrestling’s top star and up-and-coming Hollywood actor.
For now, Rhodes lets fans savor the sneak peek of his stint as Guile, a role perfectly suited to his blend of toughness, athleticism, and showmanship. A WWE source commented, “Cody’s passion for Street Fighter mirrors his passion for wrestling—he’s all in. Fans of both worlds are going to love what he’s brought to Guile”[1].
Cody Rhodes’ portrayal of Guile exemplifies a rising trend of WWE superstars crossing over into mainstream entertainment, highlighting Rhodes’ versatility and relentless work ethic. His dedication to performing his own stunts ensures the Street Fighter movie will capture all the dynamic action fans expect while honoring the source material. WWE and cinematic audiences alike await the October 2026 release with high expectations.