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. Contrary to earlier reports, this isn't merely a nascent project; a source close to the production confirms it's actively in development. Liu is not only slated to star as Wei Shen, the game's protagonist, but also serves as a producer.

While a previous attempt at a Sleeping Dogs film, featuring Donnie Yen, was abandoned, Liu's involvement signals a significant resurgence for the franchise. He has publicly expressed his dedication to the project, even hinting at his ambition to contribute to a potential video game sequel. The challenges of pitching the project to executives unfamiliar with the game's appeal have been acknowledged.

Story Kitchen, known for its work on adaptations such as the Sonic the Hedgehog films and Netflix's Tomb Raider series, is leading the charge on the live-action Sleeping Dogs movie. Square Enix, the rights holder, is also involved. Story Kitchen's current projects include 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.

The film's development marks a remarkable comeback for Sleeping Dogs, which had a canceled sequel and saw its original developer, United Front Games, close its doors. Over a decade after the game's release, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a cinematic comeback.

This renewed interest underscores the enduring appeal of Sleeping Dogs and the potential for successful video game adaptations when driven by passionate individuals with a deep understanding of the source material.