Simu Liu, the Marvel Cinematic Universe star, has ignited excitement among Sleeping Dogs fans by announcing his involvement in bringing the beloved video game to the silver screen. However, the project is more advanced than initially revealed.

A source close to the production confirms to IGN that a Sleeping Dogs movie is currently in development. Simu Liu, known for his role as Shang-Chi, is reportedly attached as both producer and lead actor, portraying Wei Shen. IGN has reached out to Square Enix for official comment.

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 significant fan love, fueling persistent calls for a sequel.

Liu's tweet announcing his involvement caused some initial confusion amongst fans. He later clarified his intentions, expressing his determination to not only bring the Sleeping Dogs movie to fruition but also to champion the development of a long-awaited sequel game. He highlighted the challenges of pitching the project to executives unfamiliar with the game's appeal.

“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 reveal that Story Kitchen is spearheading the live-action Sleeping Dogs film, with Square Enix holding the rights. Story Kitchen boasts experience in video game adaptations, having contributed to projects like the Sonic the Hedgehog films and Netflix's Tomb Raider animated series. They are also currently working on adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two.

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

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