Simu Liu, the Marvel Cinematic Universe star, is spearheading a cinematic adaptation of the beloved video game, Sleeping Dogs. While his initial tweet hinted at involvement, sources close to the project confirm that the film is actively in development, with Liu himself set to star as Wei Shen and serve as a producer.
IGN has reached out to Square Enix for official comment.
The 2012 release of Sleeping Dogs for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC captivated audiences with its gripping narrative of undercover detective Wei Shen infiltrating a Hong Kong Triad. Despite falling short of Square Enix's sales projections, its enduring popularity fueled persistent calls for a sequel.
Liu's subsequent clarification regarding his involvement, coupled with his expressed desire to also contribute to a potential Sleeping Dogs video game sequel, generated considerable fan excitement. He highlighted the challenges of securing a greenlight for such projects, emphasizing the significant impact of fan support.
“So few film projects make it from pitch phase to greenlight,” he 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.”
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: Who's Who in the Cast
11 Images
Story Kitchen is leading the Sleeping Dogs film adaptation, with Square Enix retaining the rights. Story Kitchen's extensive experience in video game adaptations includes the Sonic the Hedgehog films and Netflix's Tomb Raider series. They are also currently developing adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two. While a writer and director are attached, a release date remains unannounced.
This project signifies a major resurgence for Sleeping Dogs, following the cancellation of its video game sequel in 2013 and the closure of its original developer, United Front Games, three years later. Over a decade after the original game's release, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a cinematic comeback.
