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

Simu Liu, star of Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is spearheading a cinematic adaptation of the acclaimed video game Sleeping Dogs. This isn't just a rumor; sources close to the project confirm that the film is actively in development, with Liu attached as both producer and lead actor, portraying Wei Shen.

While Square Enix, the rights holder, has yet to officially comment, the news follows Liu's recent tweet expressing his involvement in bringing the game to the big screen. This development comes after a previous attempt at a Sleeping Dogs film, announced in 2017 with Donnie Yen attached, ultimately fell through. Yen himself confirmed the project's cancellation, citing years of work and investment that ultimately proved fruitless.

Liu's subsequent statements clarified his ambition, extending beyond the film to include a potential Sleeping Dogs sequel game. He highlighted the challenges of pitching the project to executives unfamiliar with the game's appeal, emphasizing the significant fan support as a crucial factor in moving the project forward.

Story Kitchen, a production company with a proven track record in video game adaptations (including the Sonic the Hedgehog films and Netflix's Tomb Raider series), is leading the Sleeping Dogs movie. They are also involved in upcoming adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two. While a writer and director are attached, and a Just Cause adaptation is also underway under their banner, a release date and production start date remain undisclosed.

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

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