The Sleeping Dogs Movie IS in Development and We’re Hearing Shang-Chi Star Simu Liu Is Set to Play Wei Shen

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. While Liu's initial tweet hinted at his involvement, sources close to the project confirm he's not only producing but also set to star as Wei Shen.

This development follows the cancellation of a previous Sleeping Dogs film adaptation announced in 2017, which was to star Donnie Yen. Yen himself recently confirmed the project's demise after years of involvement.

Liu's subsequent statements clarified his ambition, extending beyond the film to include a potential sequel game. He highlighted the challenges of securing a greenlight for such projects, emphasizing the significant fan support as a driving force. "First a movie, then a sequel game for everyone… that’s always been the dream,” he stated.

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 Sleeping Dogs film project. Square Enix, the rights holder, is also involved. Story Kitchen is currently working on adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two. While a writer and director are attached, a release date and production start date remain unannounced.

This cinematic revival is particularly significant given the cancellation of a Sleeping Dogs sequel in 2013 and the subsequent closure of its original developer, United Front Games, three years later. Over a decade after the game's release, Sleeping Dogs is finally poised for a return to the spotlight.