'Sleeping Dogs' Movie Nears, Simu Liu Eyed for Wei Shen

Simu Liu, the Marvel Cinematic Universe star, recently ignited excitement among fans of the video game Sleeping Dogs with a tweet announcing his involvement in bringing the game to the silver screen. However, the project is even further along than initially revealed.

A source close to the production has confirmed to IGN that a Sleeping Dogs movie is indeed in development. Simu Liu, known for his role as Shang-Chi, is reportedly attached as both producer and lead actor, portraying Wei Shen. IGN has reached out to Square Enix for official comment.

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

Liu's tweet, therefore, initially caused some confusion. He subsequently clarified his involvement, expressing his ambition to not only produce the film but also contribute to a potential Sleeping Dogs video game sequel. He highlighted the challenges of securing funding for video game adaptations, emphasizing the significant fan support as a crucial factor in moving the project forward.

"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 worked on projects ranging from the Sonic the Hedgehog films to Netflix's animated Tomb Raider series. Their current projects include 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 reportedly involved in the Sleeping Dogs project, a release date and production start remain unannounced.

This film represents a significant resurgence for Sleeping Dogs, following the cancellation of its planned sequel in late 2013 and the subsequent closure of its original developer, United Front Games, three years later. Over a decade later, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a cinematic comeback.