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One of Street Fighter's big characters was based on Mike Tyson - and now 50 Cent says he's playing him in the live-action movie
50 Cent and Mike Tyson have crossed paths several times over the years, and this marks just the latest chapter in their strange relationship.
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Just a few days after news that the Street Fighter remake has found its Chun-Li, it looks like Legendary has also found their Balrog. No, we’re not talking about the creature of fire and shadow from Lord of the Rings – we’re talking about the Street Fighter character who was originally a thinly veiled stand-in for iconic boxer Mike Tyson. And, because life has a sense of humor, rapper 50 Cent has been cast as Balrog, according to the rapper’s social media.
In a post on his Instagram, 50 Cent posted a screenshot of a rumor that he was in talks to portray Balrog in the Street Fighter reboot with the caption “No Days off. Let’s work all roads lead to Shreveport Boom.” Balrog, for those of you who aren’t up on your Street Fighter lore, was originally named M. Bison when he was introduced in Street Fighter II and was a very obvious send-up of Mike Tyson. Capcom, fearing that such an obvious parody could land them in legal trouble, rotated names around, with M. Bison becoming Balrog in Western releases of the game.
What is remarkable is that 50 Cent – real name Curtis Jackson – has an existing relationship with Mike Tyson, who was the original basis for Balrog. The man who allegedly shot 50 Cent nine times back in 2000 was the bodyguard and friend of Mike Tyson at the time. Beyond that bizarre connection, the two have crossed paths several times, including when 50 Cent owned Mike Tyson’s mansion until 2019 and some gentle ribbing on social media.
It isn’t clear how close the two are these days, though, if they do remain friends, we’re hoping that 50 Cent asks Mike Tyson for some tips on how to portray Balrog in Street Fighter. Just to lend some authenticity to his performance.
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