Marvel star Simu Liu is making many of our dreams come true with his recent announcement that he’s working on making a Sleeping Dogs movie. This film will be part of a wave of video game adaptations emerging recently, but Sleeping Dogs holds a unique place in many people’s hearts. Liu expressed his ultimate goal is to create a sequel to the game after the movie, adding layers of excitement to this anticipated project. Despite the challenges ahead, including previous attempts to bring this concept to life, Liu is determined to see this beloved title captured on the big screen.
In a recent post on X/Twitter, Simu Liu confirmed he is collaborating with the rights holders to get the film off the ground. He conveyed his commitment to making this happen, stating, “So few film projects make it from pitch phase to greenlight. Pitching execs who don’t understand the game has been tiring.” This transparency about the struggles faced in the film industry highlights Liu’s dedication, fueled by the overwhelming love for Sleeping Dogs from its fans. He continues with enthusiasm, “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.”
While specific details about the project remain scarce, Liu has a clear vision for its direction. Reports from IGN indicate that he will not only star as Wei Shen but also serve as a producer, echoing the efforts of action star Donnie Yen, who previously had a similar project in 2017. Liu’s involvement is already drawing attention from major industry players, which bolsters hopes for the film’s success. Additionally, Story Kitchen, the studio behind projects like the Sonic the Hedgehog movies and Netflix’s Tomb Raider series, is leading the effort, adding credibility and expertise to the production team.
This isn’t the first attempt to adapt Sleeping Dogs into a film. Legendary action star Donnie Yen had initiated a similar effort in 2017, where he was set to star as Wei Shen and even invested his own resources into the project. Unfortunately, it never made progress, leaving many fans yearning for the story’s cinematic retelling. Liu recently acknowledged Yen’s contributions, stating, “If we actually pull this off, my first call will be to Donnie.” This gesture recognizes the efforts already put into the project and reflects the strong demand from fans for Will Yun Lee, the original voice of Wei Shen, to return in some capacity.
If the Sleeping Dogs film moves forward, it could benefit significantly from the recent success of video game adaptations in Hollywood. While the industry’s history with video game films has been mixed, recent successes such as The Last of Us, Arcane, and the Sonic movies provide a cautious optimism. These adaptations prove that with the right creative vision, beloved games can transition effectively into film. However, it’s important to note that the project remains in its early stages, with neither a confirmed director nor a release date in place.
The excitement surrounding Simu Liu’s commitment to reviving Sleeping Dogs is palpable among fans and industry watchers alike. The combination of a passionate lead, a respected production team, and a compelling vision makes this an intriguing venture worth following. Will Simu Liu pull it off? Will we finally get a sequel? The conversation continues, and fans are eager to share their thoughts as this project unfolds.
