Marvel Cinematic Universe star Simu Liu recently ignited excitement among Sleeping Dogs fans with a tweet announcing his involvement in bringing the beloved video game to the big screen. However, the project is even further along than initially revealed. Sources close to the production tell IGN that the Sleeping Dogs movie is actively in development, with Liu—known for his role as Shang-Chi—set to star as Wei Shen and serve as a producer. IGN has reached out to Square Enix for comment.

Initially released in 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, Sleeping Dogs follows Detective Wei Shen as he infiltrates a Hong Kong Triad. Despite not meeting Square Enix's sales expectations, the game garnered a devoted fanbase, fueling persistent calls for a sequel.

Liu further clarified his involvement, expressing his ambition to not only bring the Sleeping Dogs movie to fruition but also to spearhead a sequel game. He highlighted the challenges of pitching the project to executives unfamiliar with the game's appeal, emphasizing the fan base's crucial role in keeping the project alive.

“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.”

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11 ImagesIGN can confirm that Story Kitchen is leading the Sleeping Dogs film adaptation, with Square Enix holding the rights. Story Kitchen boasts experience in video game adaptations, having worked on projects ranging from the Sonic the Hedgehog films to 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 Just Cause film adaptation with Blue Beetle director Ángel Manuel Soto. While a writer and major filmmaker are attached to the Sleeping Dogs project, a release date and production start remain unannounced.

This movie signifies a remarkable resurgence for Sleeping Dogs, following the cancellation of its sequel in late 2013 and the closure of its original developer, United Front Games, three years later. Over a decade later, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a major comeback.