Simu Liu, the Marvel Cinematic Universe star, has ignited excitement among fans of the video game Sleeping Dogs with his announcement of working with rights holders to bring the game to the silver screen. However, the project is further along than initially revealed.

A source close to the production confirmed to IGN that a Sleeping Dogs movie is indeed 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 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. Despite not meeting Square Enix's sales expectations, its enduring popularity among fans has fueled persistent calls for a sequel and film adaptation.

“So few film projects make it from pitch phase to greenlight,” Liu 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 reveals that Story Kitchen is spearheading the Sleeping Dogs live-action film, with Square Enix holding the rights. Story Kitchen boasts experience in video game adaptations, having worked on projects such as 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 film adaptation of Square Enix's Just Cause, with Ángel Manuel Soto (director of 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 signifies a significant comeback for Sleeping Dogs, whose sequel was canceled in 2013, and its original developer, United Front Games, closed three years later. Over a decade later, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a cinematic revival.