Shang-Chi's Simu Liu Rumored for Sleeping Dogs Movie

Simu Liu, star of Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is spearheading a major revival of the beloved video game Sleeping Dogs with a planned film adaptation. Initial reports suggested Liu was merely involved in discussions, but sources close to the project confirm he's actively producing and will star as Wei Shen.

IGN has reached out to Square Enix for official confirmation.

The 2012 action-adventure game, originally released on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, follows Wei Shen as he infiltrates a Hong Kong Triad gang. Despite not meeting Square Enix's sales expectations, Sleeping Dogs garnered a dedicated fanbase, fueling persistent calls for a sequel.

Sleeping Dogs is set for a cinematic reboot. Image credit: Square Enix.

A previous adaptation, announced in 2017 with Donnie Yen attached, was ultimately scrapped. Yen confirmed this recently, citing years of work and investment that ultimately failed to materialize. Liu's involvement, therefore, initially caused some confusion. He clarified his intentions, expressing a desire to not only produce the film but also contribute to a potential Sleeping Dogs video game sequel.

"So few film projects make it from pitch phase to greenlight," Liu 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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Story Kitchen, known for its work on projects such as the Sonic the Hedgehog films and Netflix's Tomb Raider series, is leading the Sleeping Dogs film project. They are also currently developing adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two. While a writer and director are reportedly attached, a release date and production start remain unannounced.

This marks a significant comeback for Sleeping Dogs, whose sequel was canceled in 2013, and its developer, United Front Games, closed three years later. Over a decade later, the franchise is poised for a cinematic resurgence.