The long-awaited film adaptation of the critically acclaimed 2012 video game Sleeping Dogs might have a new lease on life, thanks to Marvel star Simu Liu. After the project was officially canceled earlier this month, Liu has stepped forward with a glimmer of hope for fans. In response to a fan's plea on X/Twitter, Liu revealed his active efforts to revive the project, stating, "Working with the rights holders to bring Sleeping Dogs to the big screen."
Originally announced in 2017, the adaptation was set to star Donnie Yen, but it vanished from the radar just a year later. Recently, Yen confirmed the cancellation, expressing his disappointment and the significant effort he had put into the project. "I spent a lot of time and did a lot of work with these producers, and I even invested some of my own money into obtaining the drafts and some of the rights," Yen remarked. "I waited for years. And I really wanted to do it. And unfortunately... I don't know. You know how Hollywood goes, right?"
The possibility of bringing the Hong Kong-based action franchise back to life seemed lost until Liu, known for his role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, responded to a fan's post on social media. While it remains uncertain whether Liu will successfully secure the rights or see the project through, his involvement has reignited interest in the adaptation.
Sleeping Dogs, released on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, follows the gripping story of detective Wei Shen as he goes undercover to infiltrate one of Hong Kong's notorious Triad crime syndicates. The game received high praise, earning an 8/10 from IGN, yet no sequels were produced, leaving fans eager for more. With Liu's recent announcement, the potential for a cinematic continuation of this beloved story now seems within reach.
