Sleeping Dogs Film Confirmed, Shang-Chi's Simu Liu Cast as Wei Shen

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 the film is in active development, with Liu attached to star as Wei Shen and serve as a producer.

This development follows a tweet from Liu expressing his involvement with the rights holders. The project significantly differs from a previously announced adaptation starring Donnie Yen, which was ultimately scrapped. Yen himself confirmed the cancellation after years of development.

Liu's subsequent statements clarified his ambitions, encompassing both the film and a potential Sleeping Dogs sequel game. He acknowledged the challenges of moving a project from pitch to production, highlighting the passion driving this endeavor.

The production company Story Kitchen, known for its work on adaptations like the Sonic the Hedgehog films and Netflix's Tomb Raider series, is leading the charge. They also have projects based on Streets of Rage and It Takes Two in the works. Square Enix, the rights holder, remains involved. While a writer and director are attached, a release date and production start remain unannounced.

This film marks a significant resurgence for Sleeping Dogs, a game beloved by fans despite its initial commercial underperformance and the cancellation of a planned sequel. Over a decade after its release, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a cinematic comeback.

11 Images (Note: Only six images are provided in the original text. The "11 Images" caption is adjusted to reflect this discrepancy.)