In 1999, a trio of enigmatic rollerblading siblings, equipped with hockey sticks, wreaked havoc on the likes of Bud Cort and Chris Rock in Kevin Smith’s satirical film, Dogma. Among them was Kitao Sakurai, who was just a teenager from Cleveland at the time, sporting a blue jersey from Highlands Clamdiggers. Little did he know that his role would foreshadow the unique flair he would later bring to his own projects—a flair that shines brightly in his latest film, Street Fighter, which has claimed the top spot at the box office.
Influenced by the Cleveland Cinematheque’s diverse programming, featuring legends like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Robert Altman, Sakurai developed a keen interest in filmmaking. By 19, he made the bold decision to drop out of college and pursue independent filmmaking in New York City. He began his career as a cinematographer for music videos, where he met Eric André during a shoot in the mid-2000s.
Their connection blossomed over Sakurai’s keen eye for vintage aesthetics and gear. They later collaborated to create a proof of concept for The Eric André Show, though the initial selling process to networks was fraught with challenges as many passed on the unpredictable “anti-talk show.” Eventually, they took the plunge to upload it on YouTube, a move that paid off when Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim picked it up in 2010. The show has since generated 60 episodes, along with multiple specials and even an Emmy award.
The same year, Sakurai launched his feature directorial debut with Aardvark (2010), which explored the complex relationship between a blind recovering alcoholic and his jiu-jitsu instructor—merging documentary narrative and revenge thriller elements in an unconventional format.
While Aardvark hinted at Sakurai’s taste for the peculiar, The Eric André Show pushed the boundaries further, fostering an approach to filmmaking where absurdity can prevail, even if it doesn’t conform to traditional storytelling logic. “Sometimes things don’t necessarily need to make sense for you to lean in and love them,” Sakurai explains. This mantra proved defining in his second film, Bad Trip, which starred André and Lil Rel Howery. The movie, a hidden-camera buddy comedy, follows two friends on a journey to New York City, where chaos ensues as they pull pranks on unsuspecting pedestrians, interspersed with wild non sequiturs.
Initially planned for a 2019 release through MGM’s Orion Pictures, the film’s launch faced multiple setbacks due to the pandemic, culminating in Amazon Prime Video mistakenly releasing it early. Ultimately, Bad Trip found its way to audiences on Netflix in 2021. Reflecting on the experience, Sakurai admits, “I’m disappointed it didn’t get a theatrical release, but it resonated with so many during a challenging time.”
Following Bad Trip‘s success and his acclaimed work on the FX show Dave, Sakurai was given the chance to pitch on the new Street Fighter film after the original directors pulled out. Growing up, playing the Street Fighter video games with friends created cherished memories for him, connecting with his Japanese heritage. When he approached Legendary Pictures, they were not looking for a dark interpretation but a fresh, quirky take consistent with his previous work.
Retaining the essence of the Philippou brothers’ idea, he reconstructed the narrative around Ken Masters and Ryu (played by Noah Centineo and Andrew Koji), crafting a story of reconciling estranged brothers amidst the excitement of the World Warrior tournament.
Sakurai insists that a serious approach to the narrative wouldn’t have been fitting. Instead, they embraced the quirky spirit of the game. Interestingly, the Philippou brothers managed to cameo in Sakurai’s film, highlighting mutual respect and camaraderie despite their schedules diverging.
In a notable creative decision, Street Fighter employs ‘90s-style animation for flashbacks. Sakurai sought to recreate the retro feel by hiring a team of animators, embracing the extensive process out of passion rather than budget constraints.
As for music, the film features 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up?” after consultation with songwriters, resulting in a perfect fit for its tone. Sakurai even received advice from Jordan Peele during the development phase, which helped enrich the film’s character dynamics.
Regarding casting, Jason Momoa advocated passionately to portray Blanka, embodying his commitment to the role. Sakurai crafted a narrative focused on Ken and Ryu’s relationship rather than solely on defeating the villain M. Bison, setting up potential for sequels given the franchise’s rich history.
While they have not yet finalized plans for a sequel, the cast and crew remain eager for future stories. Sakurai reflecting on his journey notes the unforgettable moments during production, particularly when the cast first donned their characters’ looks, solidifying the authenticity of their transformation.
As Street Fighter continues its theatrical run, audiences look forward to experiencing this unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt storytelling brought forth by Kitao Sakurai’s vision.
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