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 popular video game Sleeping Dogs. This isn't just a rumor; sources close to the project confirm the film is in active 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 adaptation attempt, announced in 2017 with Donnie Yen attached, was ultimately scrapped. Yen himself confirmed the project's cancellation, citing years of work and investment that ultimately fell through.

Liu's subsequent statements clarified the situation, revealing his ambition to not only produce the film but also contribute to a potential Sleeping Dogs sequel game. He highlighted the challenges of securing funding for a project based on a video game, emphasizing the significant fan support as a crucial factor.

Story Kitchen, known for its work on various video game adaptations (including the Sonic the Hedgehog films and Netflix's Tomb Raider series), is leading the Sleeping Dogs film project. They're also currently developing adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two. While a writer and director are reportedly attached, details regarding a release date and production start remain undisclosed.

The Sleeping Dogs film represents a significant resurgence for the franchise, which saw its sequel canceled in 2013 and its original developer, United Front Games, close three years later. Over a decade after the game's initial release, a cinematic adaptation is finally underway.

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