Simu Liu, star of Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is spearheading the adaptation of the popular video game Sleeping Dogs into a feature film. This isn't just a rumor; sources close to the project confirm that the film is actively in development, with Liu set to produce and star as Wei Shen, the game's protagonist.
While a previous adaptation attempt, announced in 2017 with Donnie Yen attached, ultimately fell through, Liu's involvement signifies a significant resurgence for the Sleeping Dogs franchise. His recent tweets expressing his commitment to the project, coupled with his stated ambition to also contribute to a potential game sequel, have generated considerable excitement among fans. He has highlighted the challenges of pitching the project to executives unfamiliar with the game's appeal.
The production company 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 charge. They also have projects based on Streets of Rage and It Takes Two in the works. Square Enix, the rights holder, remains involved. While a writer and a major filmmaker are reportedly attached, concrete details regarding a release date or production start remain undisclosed.
This movie marks a remarkable comeback for Sleeping Dogs, whose sequel was canceled in 2013, and whose original developer, United Front Games, subsequently closed. Over a decade after the game's release, the Sleeping Dogs franchise is poised for a major revival.
