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 further along than initially revealed. Sources close to the production confirm that the Sleeping Dogs movie is actively in development, with Liu—known for his role as Shang-Chi—set to produce and star as Wei Shen. IGN has reached out to Square Enix for comment.

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

A previous adaptation, announced in 2017 with Donnie Yen attached, was scrapped a year later. Yen himself recently confirmed this to Polygon, stating he invested considerable time, effort, and personal funds into the project before its cancellation.

Liu's tweet, therefore, caused some initial confusion. He clarified his involvement, expressing his desire to not only bring the Sleeping Dogs movie to fruition but also to contribute to a potential video game sequel. 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 explained. “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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IGN can reveal that Story Kitchen is spearheading the live-action Sleeping Dogs film, with Square Enix holding the rights. Story Kitchen has a proven track record in video game adaptations, having worked on projects including the Sonic the Hedgehog films and Netflix's Tomb Raider series. They are also currently developing adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two. Story Kitchen previously announced a Just Cause film adaptation with Ángel Manuel Soto directing. While a writer and significant filmmaker are attached to 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 late 2013, and its original developer, United Front Games, closed three years later. Over a decade later, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a cinematic comeback.