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

A source close to the production has confirmed to IGN that the Sleeping Dogs movie is actively in development. Simu Liu, known for his role as Shang-Chi, is not only attached to star as Wei Shen but is also serving as a producer.

IGN has reached out to Square Enix for official comment.

Initially released in 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, Sleeping Dogs follows undercover detective Wei Shen as he infiltrates a Hong Kong Triad. Despite failing to meet Square Enix's sales expectations, the game garnered a devoted fanbase, fueling persistent calls for a sequel.

Liu's tweet regarding his involvement initially caused some confusion. He later clarified his commitment, expressing his desire to contribute to both a Sleeping Dogs movie and a potential video game sequel. He highlighted the challenges of securing funding for video game adaptations, emphasizing the significant fan support as a crucial factor in the project's progress.

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

This film marks a significant resurgence for Sleeping Dogs, following the cancellation of its sequel in late 2013 and the closure of its original developer, United Front Games, three years later. Over a decade later, Sleeping Dogs is poised for a cinematic comeback.