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 indeed 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.

Initially 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 the project's cancellation to Polygon, citing years of invested time, effort, and personal funds. Liu's tweet, therefore, generated some confusion among fans. He later clarified his involvement, expressing his ambition to not only bring the Sleeping Dogs movie to fruition but also to help develop a sequel game. He highlighted the challenges of pitching the project to executives unfamiliar with the game's appeal, emphasizing the fan support as crucial to the project's progress. "So few film projects make it from pitch phase to greenlight," he stated. "First a movie, then a sequel game for everyone… that’s always been the dream.”

IGN can now reveal 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 animated series. They are also currently developing adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two. Last year, Story Kitchen announced a film adaptation of Square Enix's Just Cause, with Blue Beetle director Ángel Manuel Soto on board. While a writer and major filmmaker are reportedly attached to the Sleeping Dogs project, a release date and production start date remain undisclosed.

The film signifies a significant resurgence for Sleeping Dogs, whose sequel was canceled in late 2013, and whose original developer, United Front Games, closed three years later. Over a decade later, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a cinematic comeback.

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