Marvel Cinematic Universe star Simu Liu recently ignited excitement among Sleeping Dogs fans with a tweet announcing his involvement in bringing the beloved video game to the big screen. However, the project is further along than initially revealed. A source close to the production confirms to IGN that a Sleeping Dogs movie is indeed in development, with Liu, known for his role as Shang-Chi, set to produce and star as Wei Shen. IGN has reached out to Square Enix for comment.
Initially 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 a dedicated fanbase, fueling persistent calls for a sequel.
A previous adaptation, announced in 2017 with Donnie Yen attached, was ultimately scrapped a year later. Yen confirmed this recently, citing years of invested time and resources. Liu's tweet, therefore, caused some initial confusion. He later clarified his intentions, expressing a desire to not only produce the film but also help develop a Sleeping Dogs sequel game. He highlighted the challenges of pitching the project to executives unfamiliar with the game, emphasizing the fan support as crucial to the project's momentum. He stated, “So few film projects make it from pitch phase to greenlight… 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.”
IGN can reveal that Story Kitchen is leading the Sleeping Dogs film adaptation, with Square Enix holding the rights. Story Kitchen has a proven track record in video game adaptations, having worked on projects including the Sonic the Hedgehog films and Netflix's Tomb Raider series. They are also currently developing adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two. Story Kitchen previously announced a Just Cause film adaptation with Blue Beetle director Ángel Manuel Soto. While a writer and major filmmaker are attached to the Sleeping Dogs project, a release date and production start date remain unannounced.
This film marks a significant resurgence for Sleeping Dogs, whose sequel was canceled in late 2013, and its original developer, United Front Games, closed three years later. Over a decade later, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a cinematic comeback.
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