Sony Pictures has made significant changes to its upcoming film lineup, removing Legendary’s live-action Street Fighter adaptation from its 2026 release schedule and pushing back the release of the survival thriller Shiver from August 2025 to July 2026. These shifts raise questions about the future of Street Fighter while confirming a strategic move for Shiver.
Street Fighter Movie Faces Uncertain Future
The highly anticipated Street Fighter film was originally scheduled for a theatrical release on March 20, 2026. However, Sony has now taken it off the release calendar without providing a specific reason. This change comes shortly after Kitao Sakurai was announced as the new director, replacing Danny and Michael Philippou, who exited the project.
Co-produced by Capcom and Legendary Entertainment, the film was set to bring the beloved fighting game franchise back to the big screen. However, with no confirmed cast, writer, or plot details, the removal from the schedule suggests potential behind-the-scenes issues, possibly involving creative restructuring under Sakurai’s direction.
This wouldn’t be the first time Street Fighter has struggled with live-action adaptations. The franchise previously saw two major attempts—Universal’s 1994 version starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Kylie Minogue, Ming-Na Wen, and Raul Julia, and 20th Century Fox’s 2009 film Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, starring Kristin Kreuk. Both were met with negative reviews and poor box office performances. Given this history, Legendary and Capcom may be taking extra time to ensure this version meets fan expectations.
Shiver Pushed to Summer 2026
In addition to the Street Fighter shake-up, Sony has moved Tommy Wirkola’s survival Thriller Shiver (formerly titled Beneath the Storm) from August 1, 2025, to July 3, 2026. Unlike the uncertain fate of Street Fighter, Shiver remains firmly on track for release, with the date adjustment likely positioning it for better box office performance in the peak summer movie season.
The film, starring Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton, Fair Play), Whitney Peak (Gossip Girl, Hocus Pocus 2), and Djimon Hounsou (Rebel Moon, A Quiet Place: Day One), still has its plot under wraps. However, with Adam McKay and Kevin Messick attached as producers, expectations remain high.
What This Means for Street Fighter
Unlike Shiver, which has a confirmed new release date, Street Fighter‘s removal suggests deeper production challenges. A delayed release typically indicates a project is still progressing, albeit at a slower pace. However, when a film is completely removed from a studio’s release schedule, it often signals more extensive issues.
The transition from the Philippou brothers to Sakurai as director might be a key factor. If a major creative overhaul is underway, it could involve refining the script, securing a strong cast, or restructuring the film’s vision. Sakurai, known for his work on Twisted Metal, will likely play a crucial role in shaping the film’s direction.
Is Street Fighter Still Happening?
While the removal is disappointing, it does not necessarily mean the project is canceled. Legendary and Capcom may need more time to develop a high-quality adaptation that does justice to the franchise. Fans of the iconic video game series can still hope for a well-crafted film rather than a rushed production that fails to deliver.
For now, Street Fighter enthusiasts will have to wait for further updates on whether the film secures a new release date. Meanwhile, audiences can look forward to Shiver hitting theaters in July 2026, marking one of the key releases of that summer.
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