Exclusive: Shang-Chi's Simu Liu in Talks for 'Sleeping Dogs' Movie

Simu Liu, the Marvel Cinematic Universe star known for his role as Shang-Chi, is spearheading the adaptation of the popular video game Sleeping Dogs into a feature film. While Liu initially hinted at his involvement on Twitter, a source close to the production has confirmed to IGN that the project is actively in development. Liu is not only slated to star as Wei Shen, the game's protagonist, but also to serve as a producer.

This new adaptation significantly differs from a previous attempt announced in 2017, starring Donnie Yen, which was ultimately scrapped. Yen himself confirmed the project's cancellation, citing years of invested time and resources.

Liu's subsequent statements clarified his role and ambitions, expressing the challenges of pitching the project to executives unfamiliar with the game's appeal. He further revealed his desire to facilitate not only the film but also a long-awaited sequel to the original Sleeping Dogs video game.

IGN's investigation reveals that 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), is leading the charge on the Sleeping Dogs film. Square Enix, the rights holder, is also involved. Story Kitchen's current projects include adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two. While a writer and prominent filmmaker are attached, a release date and production start remain undisclosed.

The Sleeping Dogs film represents a significant comeback for the franchise, considering the cancellation of a planned sequel in 2013 and the subsequent closure of the original developer, United Front Games, three years later. Over a decade after the original game's release, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a cinematic resurgence.

(Note: The six Shang-Chi cast images are included as requested, maintaining their original format and placement.)