Simu Liu, star of Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is spearheading a cinematic adaptation of the acclaimed video game Sleeping Dogs. This isn't just a rumor; sources close to the project confirm that the film is actively in development, with Liu attached to produce and star as Wei Shen, the game's protagonist.
While a previous adaptation attempt, featuring Donnie Yen, was ultimately scrapped, Liu's involvement signals a significant resurgence for the franchise. His recent tweets, initially sparking speculation, have since been clarified, revealing his ambition to not only bring Sleeping Dogs to the big screen but also to champion the development of a long-awaited sequel game. He's acknowledged the challenges of navigating the complexities of Hollywood pitches, emphasizing the enthusiastic fan support as a crucial factor in moving the project forward.
The original 2017 adaptation, starring Donnie Yen, ultimately fell through, a fact Yen himself confirmed recently, citing the unpredictable nature of Hollywood production.
This new adaptation is being spearheaded by Story Kitchen, a production company with a proven track record in video game adaptations, including the Sonic the Hedgehog films and Netflix's Tomb Raider series. They're also currently developing adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two. Story Kitchen's involvement, along with Square Enix's rights ownership, suggests a robust and experienced team behind the project. While a release date remains unannounced, the involvement of a writer and a prominent filmmaker is confirmed.
The Sleeping Dogs movie represents a significant comeback for a beloved game whose sequel was canceled in 2013, and whose original developer, United Front Games, subsequently closed. Over a decade later, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a cinematic revival.
