Marvel actor Simu Liu is working to bring the beloved Sleeping Dogs series back to life with both a movie adaptation and a sequel to the original 2012 game. Known for his role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Liu shared that pitching the project to movie executives who may not have a grasp on gaming has proven to be a challenging and “tiring” experience.
Through social media, Liu expressed gratitude for the strong support from fans, stating that their enthusiasm for Sleeping Dogs has provided him and his team with motivation. His vision includes primero making a Sleeping Dogs film, followed by a sequel game, a dream he hopes to fulfill.
According to reports from IGN, a Sleeping Dogs movie is reportedly in development, with Liu set to star as the lead character, Wei Shen. However, it’s important to note that being in "development" doesn’t guarantee a film will actually be produced; it simply indicates that preliminary work is ongoing. Historically, many video game adaptation projects have been announced but never reach completion. The Sleeping Dogs concept itself has been in various stages of movie development for almost a decade, previously with actor Donnie Yen involved before the project was shelved.
Liu’s journey underscores the reality that a significant number of film projects struggle to progress from the initial pitch phase to being greenlit. Despite the obstacles, Liu remains steadfast in his goal, aiming first for a film, followed by the much-anticipated game sequel.
The original Sleeping Dogs game centers around Wei Shen, an undercover cop infiltrating Triad gangs in Hong Kong to collect evidence against them. Although it received praise from critics and players alike, the franchise did not expand significantly after its release. Plans for a spin-off titled Triad Wars were canceled during beta testing, and the game’s developer, United Front Games, shut down operations in 2016. A Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition was released in 2014.
For those interested in following the developments of this project, keep an eye on updates regarding both the movie and the potential game sequel.
