Simu Liu Nearing Deal to Star as Wei Shen in Remake of Sleeping Dogs

Simu Liu, the Marvel Cinematic Universe star, has ignited excitement among fans of the video game Sleeping Dogs by announcing his involvement in bringing the beloved title to the silver screen. While his initial tweet suggested he was working towards securing the rights, a source close to the project has confirmed to IGN that a Sleeping Dogs movie is indeed in development. Furthermore, Liu, known for his role as Shang-Chi, is reportedly set to produce and star as the lead character, Wei Shen.

IGN has reached out to Square Enix for an official statement.

Initially released in 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, Sleeping Dogs follows Wei Shen as he undertakes an undercover operation within Hong Kong's Triad gangs. Despite failing to meet Square Enix's sales expectations, the game garnered a dedicated fanbase, fueling persistent calls for a sequel.

Liu's tweet, therefore, initially caused some confusion. He later clarified his involvement, expressing his determination to not only bring the Sleeping Dogs movie to fruition but also to champion a video game sequel. He described the challenges of pitching the project to executives unfamiliar with the game's appeal, emphasizing the overwhelming fan support as a crucial catalyst.

"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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11 ImagesIGN can reveal that Story Kitchen is spearheading the Sleeping Dogs live-action film, with Square Enix holding the rights. Story Kitchen has a proven track record in video game adaptations, having contributed to projects such as the Sonic the Hedgehog films and Netflix's animated Tomb Raider series. They are also currently involved in adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two.

Story Kitchen previously announced a film adaptation of Square Enix's Just Cause, with Ángel Manuel Soto (director of Blue Beetle) attached. While a writer and a significant filmmaker are reportedly involved in the Sleeping Dogs project, a release date and production start remain unannounced.

This movie represents a significant resurgence for Sleeping Dogs, whose sequel was canceled in late 2013, and whose original developer, United Front Games, ceased operations three years later. Over a decade later, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a cinematic comeback.