The Sleeping Dogs Movie IS in Development and We’re Hearing Shang-Chi Star Simu Liu Is Set to Play Wei Shen

Simu Liu, the Marvel Cinematic Universe star, has ignited excitement among Sleeping Dogs fans by announcing his involvement in bringing the beloved video game to the silver screen. The project is further along than initially reported. A source close to the production confirmed to IGN that a Sleeping Dogs movie is currently in development, with Liu, known for his role as Shang-Chi, set to star as Wei Shen and serve as a producer.

Square Enix, the rights holder, has been contacted by IGN for comment.

Released in 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, Sleeping Dogs follows Detective Wei Shen as he infiltrates a Hong Kong Triad gang. Despite falling short of Square Enix's sales projections, the game garnered significant fan appreciation, fueling persistent calls for a sequel.

A previous adaptation, announced in 2017 with Donnie Yen attached, was ultimately scrapped a year later, a fact Yen himself recently confirmed. This news adds context to Liu's initial tweet, which caused some confusion. Liu clarified his involvement, expressing his ambition to also facilitate a Sleeping Dogs video game sequel.

"So few film projects make it from pitch phase to greenlight," Liu stated. "Pitching execs who don’t understand the game has been tiring. Everyone’s overwhelming love of Sleeping Dogs here has really given us life! First a movie, then a sequel game for everyone… that’s always been the dream.”

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11 ImagesIGN can reveal that Story Kitchen is spearheading the Sleeping Dogs live-action film, with Square Enix holding the rights. Story Kitchen boasts experience in video game adaptations, having contributed to projects like the Sonic the Hedgehog films and Netflix's Tomb Raider animated series. They are also currently developing adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two.

Story Kitchen previously announced a Just Cause film adaptation with Blue Beetle director Ángel Manuel Soto. While a writer and prominent filmmaker are reportedly attached to the Sleeping Dogs project, a release date and production start remain undisclosed.

This film represents a significant resurgence for Sleeping Dogs, whose sequel was canceled in late 2013 pre-production, and whose original developer, United Front Games, closed three years later. More than a decade later, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a cinematic comeback.