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 fans of the video game Sleeping Dogs with his announcement of working with rights holders to adapt the game for the big screen. However, the project is further along than initially revealed.

A source close to the production has confirmed to IGN that a Sleeping Dogs movie is indeed in development, with Simu Liu (known for his role as Shang-Chi) slated to produce and star as Wei Shen, the lead character. IGN has reached out to Square Enix for official comment.

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

Liu's tweet announcing his involvement caused some initial confusion amongst fans. He later clarified his intentions, expressing his desire to not only produce and star in the film but also to contribute to the development of a Sleeping Dogs video game sequel. He highlighted the challenges of getting film projects greenlit, especially when pitching to executives unfamiliar with the source material.

“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: Cast Highlights

11 ImagesIGN reveals that Story Kitchen is spearheading the Sleeping Dogs live-action film, with Square Enix holding the rights. Story Kitchen has a proven track record in video game adaptations, having worked on projects such as the Sonic the Hedgehog films and Netflix's Tomb Raider series. They are also currently involved in adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two.

Story Kitchen previously announced a film adaptation of Square Enix's Just Cause, with Ángel Manuel Soto (director of Blue Beetle) attached. While a writer and prominent filmmaker are involved in the Sleeping Dogs project, a release date and production start remain unannounced.

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