Roman Reigns to play Akuma in ‘Street Fighter’ movie

There is now confirmation of the role Roman Reigns will be playing in Legendary Entertainment’s live-action “Street Fighter” movie.

The Hollywood Reporter announced today that Reigns (Joe Anoa’i) will be playing Akuma in the upcoming film. It was first reported last month that Reigns was in talks to join the cast, with Hollywood insider Jeff Sneider saying Akuma is the character Reigns would be playing.

Akuma is a villain in the “Street Fighter” games and is described as an “emotionless and powerful warrior.”

Jason Momoa, Noah Centineo, and rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson are also part of the cast for the movie. It’s based on the legendary “Street Fighter” video game series, but details regarding the script are not known yet. It’s being directed by Kitao Sakurai, with The Hollywood Reporter noting that production will begin this August.

WWE SummerSlam is taking place in New Jersey on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3. Though Reigns has been away from WWE TV since the fallout of WrestleMania 41, WrestleVotes reported today that he is expected to be back soon with the build to SummerSlam about to begin.

“It seems that time of year again—Roman Reigns’ return is on the horizon,” WrestleVotes tweeted. “Sources indicate his name has popped up internally in recent weeks, typically signaling the wheels are in motion for a return heading into the biggest party of the summer.”

Reigns last competed at WrestleMania 41, when Paul Heyman betrayed him and chose to align with Seth Rollins. Heyman is now managing a new faction consisting of Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed.