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 bring the game to the silver screen. However, the project is more advanced than initially revealed.

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

Released in 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, Sleeping Dogs follows Detective Wei Shen as he infiltrates a Hong Kong Triad. Despite not meeting Square Enix's sales expectations, the game garnered significant fan love, fueling persistent calls for a sequel.

Liu's tweet initially caused some confusion, but he clarified his involvement, expressing his ambition to not only produce a film but also contribute to a potential Sleeping Dogs video game sequel. He highlighted the challenges of pitching the project to executives unfamiliar with the game's appeal.

"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 confirm that Story Kitchen is spearheading the live-action Sleeping Dogs film, with Square Enix holding the rights. Story Kitchen boasts experience in video game adaptations, having worked on projects like 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 Just Cause film adaptation with Ángel Manuel Soto (director of Blue Beetle) attached. While a writer and major 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, leading to the closure of its developer, United Front Games, three years later. Over a decade later, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a cinematic resurgence.