Street fighter sparks feud: schulz jabs, tan fires back
The Game Awards 2025 witnessed a playful, yet pointed, jab from Street Fighter’s Andrew Schulz, setting off a chain reaction that’s now escalated into an escalating, if good-natured, rivalry with Mortal Kombat 2’s Lewis Tan. What began as a lighthearted moment has quickly become a talking point—and a fascinating glimpse into the competitive spirit simmering between two of gaming’s biggest franchises.
The initial provocation: schulz’s stage intrusion
During the awards show, Schulz, playing Dan Hibiki, momentarily hijacked the presentation with Jason Momoa and company, seemingly calling out Mortal Kombat 2. He playfully claimed the Mortal Kombat cast only cared about money, a remark that landed with a mix of laughter and bewilderment from the audience. It was, as he revealed, a staged bit—though one that clearly aimed to generate buzz.
But the ripple effects didn't stop there. Tan, speaking on The Brandon Davis Show, swiftly responded, exhibiting a competitive edge that suggests this playful exchange might have teeth. He praised his Mortal Kombat 2 colleagues, specifically Rayna Vallandingham (Juli) and Andrew Koji (Ryu), highlighting their camaraderie before turning his attention to Schulz.
“Andrew Schulz is the last person who should be talking s* on that stage,” Tan stated with a grin, adding, “Obviously not a fighter. Not even really an actor.” The directness of Tan’s retort underscores the underlying tension – or perhaps the calculated performance – of this budding feud. Producer Todd Garner, however, opted for a more diplomatic approach, stating he doesn’t “climb over others to get ahead” and hoping both franchises thrive.
Numbers and nostalgia: the real stakes
While the banter may be largely playful, the underlying competition is anything but. Mortal Kombat 2 holds the advantage in release timing, hitting theaters on May 8, 2026. Street Fighter will follow on October 16, leaving a sizable window for Mortal Kombat to capture the box office and fan attention. The gaming community, deeply invested in both franchises, is keenly aware of these dates and the potential for a clash of titans.
Tan’s comment, “Mortal Kombat fans don’t play around with that,” speaks volumes about the passionate fanbase that both films are vying to satisfy. He acknowledged the quality of the Street Fighter trailer and his own enjoyment of the game, but ultimately emphasized the fervent loyalty of the Mortal Kombat following. The numbers will ultimately tell the story: which film will resonate more with audiences and secure its place in the pantheon of successful video game adaptations.
The clash, regardless of its ultimate outcome, serves as a reminder of the intense competition within the Entertainment landscape. It’s a battle for screens, for ticket sales, and, perhaps most importantly, for the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide. And as Tan himself admitted, with a chuckle, “I love a good rivalry.”