Sleepless Dogs Movie In Development, Simu Liu Rumored as 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 that the film is currently in development, with Liu attached as both producer and lead actor, portraying Wei Shen.

IGN has reached out to Square Enix for official comment.

The 2012 release of Sleeping Dogs (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC) captivated audiences with its gripping story of undercover detective Wei Shen infiltrating a Hong Kong Triad. Despite not meeting Square Enix's sales projections, the game garnered a devoted fanbase, fueling persistent calls for a sequel.

Liu's initial tweet expressing his involvement sparked considerable excitement and some confusion among fans. He subsequently clarified his intentions, emphasizing the challenges of bringing video game adaptations to the screen and expressing his ambition to also facilitate a Sleeping Dogs sequel game.

"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 ImagesStory Kitchen is leading the Sleeping Dogs film production, with Square Enix retaining the rights. Story Kitchen boasts experience in video game adaptations, having contributed to projects such as 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.

Last year, Story Kitchen announced a Just Cause film adaptation 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, whose sequel was canceled in 2013, and its original developer, United Front Games, closed three years later. Over a decade later, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a major comeback.