Simu Liu, the Marvel Cinematic Universe star, has ignited excitement among fans of the video game Sleeping Dogs with his tweet announcing his involvement in bringing the game to the silver screen. However, the project is further along than initially reported.
A source close to the production confirmed to IGN that a Sleeping Dogs movie is indeed in development. Simu Liu, known for his role as Shang-Chi, is reportedly attached as both producer and lead actor, portraying Wei Shen. IGN has reached out to Square Enix for official comment.
Released in 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, Sleeping Dogs follows detective Wei Shen as he infiltrates a Hong Kong Triad gang. Despite not meeting Square Enix's sales expectations, the game garnered significant fan appreciation, fueling calls for a sequel.
Liu's tweet, therefore, caused some initial confusion. He subsequently clarified his involvement, expressing his ambition to also facilitate a Sleeping Dogs video game sequel. He highlighted the challenges of securing a greenlight for film projects and acknowledged the passionate fan base's crucial role in advancing the movie's development.
“So few film projects make it from pitch phase to greenlight,” he 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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IGN reveals that Story Kitchen is spearheading the Sleeping Dogs live-action film, with Square Enix holding 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 animated series. They are also currently working on adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two.
Story Kitchen previously announced a film adaptation of Square Enix's Just Cause, with Blue Beetle director Ángel Manuel Soto 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 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.
