Fighting games have always been about epic rivalries that ignite passions and divide loyalties—but imagine the drama when those rivalries spill over onto a massive stage like The Game Awards 2025, with movie stars trading playful jabs that leave fans buzzing for weeks. This wasn't just any event; it was a moment that captured the fiery spirit of competition between two iconic franchises, and trust me, it's the kind of story that keeps you hooked, wondering if these on-screen battles could ever truly end.
One of the biggest shocks of the night wasn't limited to the stunning debut trailer for the upcoming Street Fighter movie, which showcased legendary special moves and even a nod to the classic car bonus stage—you can check it out here if you haven't already. No, the real buzz came from the full cast making their grand entrance on stage. We're talking heavy hitters like Jason Momoa stepping in as Blanka, Cody Rhodes channeling Guile, and Roman Reigns embodying the dark power of Akuma. They were there to drum up excitement for the 2026 Street Fighter film adaptation, and boy, did they deliver.
But here's where it gets controversial... The show's comedian, Andrew Schulz, who hilariously plays the overconfident Dan Hibiki in the movie, decided to turn the spotlight on the rival camp. Starting with a nod to shared interests, Schulz quipped, 'We’re not the only game that appreciates your patronage. There’s another game out there, they flew from around the world to be here because they appreciate you. So give it up for the whole cast of Mortal Kombat 2!' The crowd erupted in applause, expecting the Mortal Kombat team to appear. Instead, Schulz dropped the punchline: 'I’m just kidding. They didn’t come. They don’t care about you. They only care about money. We care about money AND you. Street Fighter FOREVER!'
As you can imagine, this wasn't just a light-hearted gag—it sparked a firestorm online. Tweets flew in, with one fan declaring, 'The cast of the Street Fighter Movie just threw BIG shots at the Mortal Kombat Movie cast at #TheGameAwards! Oh it's on!' Fighting game streamer unCAGEDgamez chimed in, saying, 'They just started a war. Oh it's on!' Other fans jumped in, defending their favorite: 'No one from this Street Fighter cast outdoing Scorpion and Sub-Zero,' retorted a Mortal Kombat loyalist, while another added, 'Hadoukens fired!' It was the kind of banter that feels like a digital playground brawl, and it perfectly encapsulated the deep-seated rivalry between the two series.
Todd Garner, the producer behind the Mortal Kombat 2 film, didn't hold back in his own response. Annoyed by the jab, he tweeted, 'I don’t climb over others to get ahead.' But then, in a classy move, he followed up with a more balanced take—keeping the first tweet visible—by saying, 'I hope they both are huge.' It was a subtle reminder that, despite the heat, there's room for mutual success in this competitive world.
For those new to this, Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter are two of the most legendary fighting game franchises from the 1990s, each with unique styles: Mortal Kombat's brutal, gore-filled fatalities versus Street Fighter's more polished, anime-inspired martial arts. Their rivalry has fueled countless debates, from schoolyard arguments to online forums, where fans often had to pick sides—even if, secretly, many enjoyed both. And this year, that rivalry comes full circle in a way no one saw coming: both are getting major movie adaptations, with Mortal Kombat 2 hitting theaters first on May 8, followed by Street Fighter on October 16, just five months apart. It's like the ultimate showdown, and fans are already speculating which one will come out on top.
And this is the part most people miss... The only true way to settle this decades-old feud? A crossover game pitting the characters against each other. NetherRealm's Ed Boon, the visionary behind Mortal Kombat, has openly expressed that this is a dream of his—he even tried to make it happen in the past, but negotiations with Capcom fell through. With both franchises thriving in movies now, could 2026 be the year for a rematch? Imagine Ryu facing off against Liu Kang—it's a tantalizing idea that could bridge the gap between fans.
As for Schulz's roast, remember, it's all in good fun. He's portraying Dan, the jokey underdog character in Street Fighter who's often the butt of the joke and gets comically pummeled. I bet Todd Garner will have a good laugh watching that unfold. But is this kind of public trash-talking just harmless hype, or does it risk alienating fans and stirring unnecessary drama? Some might argue it's what keeps the community alive, while others could see it as unprofessional. What do you think—should rivalries stay on the screen, or is a little stage banter fair game? And here's a provocative twist: Could this 'war' actually boost both movies by drawing in curious cross-fans? Share your opinions in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you're team Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, or cheering for both!
Photo by Frank Micelotta/The Game Awards via Getty Images.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
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