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 development of a Sleeping Dogs movie adaptation, according to sources close to the project. Liu is slated to produce and star as Wei Shen, the game's protagonist. This news follows Liu's tweet expressing his involvement with the rights holders.

This new adaptation significantly differs from a previous attempt announced in 2017, starring Donnie Yen, which was ultimately scrapped. Yen himself confirmed the project's cancellation, citing years of work and investment that ultimately fell through.

The original Sleeping Dogs video game, released in 2012, follows Wei Shen's undercover infiltration of a Hong Kong Triad. Despite not meeting Square Enix's sales expectations, it garnered a devoted fanbase, fueling persistent calls for a sequel.

Liu's subsequent statements clarified his intentions, emphasizing the challenges of moving a film project from pitch to production. He expressed his hope to eventually facilitate a Sleeping Dogs video game sequel as well. "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.”

Story Kitchen, known for its work on adaptations like the Sonic the Hedgehog films and Netflix's Tomb Raider series, is leading the Sleeping Dogs film project. Square Enix retains the rights. Story Kitchen is also currently involved in adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two. While a writer and director are attached, a release date remains unannounced.

This movie represents a significant comeback for the Sleeping Dogs franchise, whose planned sequel was canceled in 2013, followed by the closure of its original developer, United Front Games, three years later. Over a decade later, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a cinematic revival.