A highly anticipated crossover between professional wrestling and pop culture is underway as WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes debuts his role as Guile in the upcoming live-action Street Fighter movie. A behind-the-scenes image shared by comedian and cast member Andrew Schulz has offered fans the first glimpse of Rhodes embodying the character with Guile’s signature flat-top haircut, stirring excitement across both wrestling and gaming communities.
Rhodes, known as the “American Nightmare” in WWE circles, was recently written off WWE television following a storyline attack by Drew McIntyre on SmackDown. This narrative development coincides with Rhodes heading to film his scenes for Street Fighter, allowing him to bring the famed U.S. Air Force officer to life on the big screen[1][3]. The photo reveals Rhodes sporting Guile’s unmistakable hairstyle, paying faithful homage to the character’s classic look established in the original 1991 Street Fighter II video game—a style that “screams discipline, attitude, and ‘Sonic Boom’ energy,” according to reports from The Times of India[2].
Guile is a beloved Street Fighter character recognized for his military service, strong patriotic spirit, and signature moves like the Sonic Boom projectile and Flash Kick somersault. His distinct flat-top haircut and green military fatigues are iconic features, previously portrayed in the 1994 film version by Jean-Claude Van Damme. Rhodes’ casting promises to blend his wrestling intensity and physical prowess with Guile’s disciplined fighter persona, creating what insiders describe as a “perfect fit” for the role[1][3].
Production sources, including PD reports from Deadline and wrestling news outlet PWInsider, reveal that filming officially began in September 2025 and that Rhodes’ involvement—with fellow pro wrestlers Roman Reigns cast as Akuma and NJPW star Hirooki Goto as E. Honda—has been integrated smoothly with his WWE schedule. This means fans can expect Rhodes’ WWE presence to continue while he embarks on this high-profile acting venture[3].
According to a WWE insider, “Cody has always embraced opportunities to expand his craft beyond the ring. His portrayal of Guile taps into his natural charisma and physicality, and the team is thrilled to have his dedication bring authenticity to the character.” This engagement also marks Rhodes’ continued growth in acting following appearances on shows like Arrow and The Naked Gun[1].
Fan reaction across social media platforms has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the filmmakers for embracing Guile’s original look rather than watering down the character’s distinctive hairstyle. The decision to keep Guile’s exaggerated flat-top haircut instead of opting for a more conventional military style is viewed as a gesture of respect toward both long-time fans of the franchise and gaming culture in general[1][2].
As Rhodes steps into Guile’s boots, the buzz around the Street Fighter film continues to build, promising a blend of nostalgia and fresh energy. The movie is slated for release in 2026 and will likely attract both fighting game enthusiasts and wrestling fans eager to see one of WWE’s top stars in a blockbuster role.
In sum, Cody Rhodes’ transformation as Guile highlights an intriguing new chapter in his career and signals WWE’s ongoing influence in mainstream entertainment. This crossover event is set to generate significant interest ahead of the movie’s premiere, with fans eagerly awaiting more reveals and story details in the months to come.
Sources:
- WWE.com insiders and Fightful reports on Rhodes’ filming schedule
- Behind-the-scenes photo shared by comedian Andrew Schulz via Instagram and WrestlePurists
- PWInsider and Deadline updates on casting and production timeline
- Interviews and industry commentary from WWE insiders and movie set sources
- Coverage by GameFragger, Times of India, and Bleacher Report on Rhodes’ look and role
By combining authentic fan-pleasing details with Rhodes’ star power, the Street Fighter movie looks set to deliver an electrifying portrayal of one of gaming’s most recognizable characters.