Fighting games are now becoming better film adaptations if we compare them with a couple of decades or three ago. Which means we have a proper story, unlike their video game counterparts, where we just fight to death and win. Mortal Kombat is already awaiting a sequel to its 2021 film. Street Fighter has released a clip that shows the characters appearing in it and who’s playing them. Now, it’s time we talk about a live-action adaptation of Tekken games too.
Tekken 8, the latest in the series, came in 2024 with an impressive storyline with new and returning characters. If studios are looking for a film adaptation of a game from the popular fighting series, it should be the latest one. And I know which characters I want to appear in it and which actors. Though that’s the point for casting directors to consider. But I believe that’ll be one hell of a line-up considering the upcoming Street Fighter film roster.
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So, here are my top picks for these Tekken 8 characters
Paul Phoenix
Paul Phoenix is one of my favorites for his ultimate freedom in the story. He proved himself to be the toughest fighter in the universe. That too by being a street fighter. Though that wasn’t for long once he entered the King of Iron Fist Tournament, to his excitement of fighting Kazuya, the main character of the Tekken universe.
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By the time the events in Tekken 8 are happening, he is planning to enter the seventh King of Iron Fist Tournament. And this guy has gone greedy, all eyes on the prize money now. Can he claim it? Well, I hope so.
For Paul Phoenix, I want Jason Momoa to play the role. That thought came after seeing him playing Lobo in the latest Supergirl trailer. He just needs to go blonde, but I think he’ll fit just right.
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Jin Kazama
Jin is one of the core characters in the Tekken universe, so his appearance is mandatory, just like his father Kazuya Mishima. At one point, he is fighting his grandfather Heihachi, who betrayed him. At another point, he is fighting his father, a protagonist turned antagonist in the series.
But Jin is an angel, literally. He awakens this form called Angel Jin in Tekken 8, and now he is an equal contender to his father, who possesses the Devil Gene. Interestingly, Jin once possessed this gene himself. Biology, you know. But still managed to overcome the bad. I sure don’t want to miss this devil turned angel in a film adaptation.
Zac Effron will do pretty good as Jin Kazama. He brings that teenage charm on the screen and his physique is just perfect for the character.
Kazuya Mishima
We are putting Kazuya Mishima at the center of the list because he is at the center of the story. He began as a protagonist in the first game and was thrown off a cliff by his father. Then returned as the penultimate antagonist in the second game. Since then, Kazuya has been instilling fear among everyone who chooses to enter the fighting ring with him.
He is a devil, no doubt. But to become the true devil, he needs to absorb Azazel, and that is what he strives to do in Tekken 8. He cannot be left out from a Tekken film, especially if it’s the latest one. His battle with his son is surely going to be a visual treat. An angel vs. a devil. Huh, that’s just pure mythical entertainment.
For me, Henry Cavill will fit the role best here. I have seen his devilish persona as the Man of Steel, and he will do justice to the Devil Kazuya. Especially with those fear-instilling looks.
Marshall Law
Now, I want to see Marshall Law appearing in a Tekken 8 film adaptation for two reasons. One is obviously his friendship with Paul in the story. Another is his appearance and fighting style, which is based on Bruce Lee. Who doesn’t want to see a bulky Bruce?
He isn’t exactly a main character in the story, but he sure does add more strength to the story, especially when Paul Phoenix is present there. Tekken 8 gave these two friends a hell of a conflict that almost got them killed. They aren’t exactly in cahoots, but you know how besties are.
For Marshall Law, I will without a doubt go with the Hong Kong actor Danny Chan Kwok-kwan. He’s the only one I can think of in terms of his resemblance to Bruce Lee.
King
The reason King made it to the list is simple. He is my favorite character of all time. I mean, look at him, the face of a tiger (oh, I know it’s a mask). The first time I controlled him, I was mesmerized. Maybe it was because of those animal fables I read during childhood.
He may not be one of the main characters in the storyline, but he sure is the fanciest. In Tekken 8, this tiger mask-wearing fighter fights for Jin Kazama’s side. He has got his own story running in the video game series, concerning some hospital bills and his orphanage.
King has no face, so I can choose whoever I want. But then he’s got personality. Outside the ring, he is just a normal man trying to get by in his daily life even though it is chaotic. Thinking about all that, Bob Odenkirk comes to my mind. He has done it to nobody. He can do it here too.
