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 will be one of many video game adaptations in recent history but Sleeping Dogs has had a special place in many people’s hearts.
Liu also shared that his ultimate goal and dream is to have a sequel to the game after the movie. The road ahead won’t be easy, especially considering there has already been an attempt at this same project before. Will the Shang Chi star succeed in bringing a cult favorite to the big screen?
In a recent post on X/Twitter Simu Liu confirmed he is working with the rights holders to get the film off the ground. Liu is determined to see this project through and not let it remain a concept. “So few film projects make it from pitch phase to greenlight. Pitching execs who don’t understand the game has been tiring,” he says.
So few film projects make it from pitch phase to greenlight. 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. pic.twitter.com/g84r9Lf0SI
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) January 31, 2025
There are very few details about the project but Liu has a clear vision: “First a movie, then a sequel game for everyone… that’s always been the dream.” An early report from IGN suggests Liu will not only star as Wei Shen but also serve as a producer, much like what Donnie Yen’s own Sleeping Dogs project was.
The Marvel star’s involvement is already attracting major industry players. IGN also reported that Story Kitchen is leading the project. Story Kitchen has worked on the Sonic the Hedgehog movies and Netflix’s Tomb Raider series, and is also developing adaptations of Streets of Rage and It Takes Two.
This isn’t the first attempt to adapt Sleeping Dogs into a film. In case you didn’t know, legendary action star Donnie Yen had a similar project going on in 2017. He was set to star as Wei Shen and even invested his own time and money into the project. However, the film never moved forward.
If we actually pull this off, my first call will be to Donnie. Second call would be Will Yun Lee, the original voice of Wei. Third, to DoorDash to find me the nearest restaurant that serves pork bun
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) January 31, 2025
Liu has also made it clear that if the movie happens, his first call will be to Donnie Yen. In a way, his words acknowledge the importance of all the effort Donnie Yen has already put in. It also shows how much love and demand there is from fans for Will Yun Lee to return in some capacity.
If the Sleeping Dogs film moves forward, it will likely benefit from the recent success of video game adaptations. Hollywood’s track record with video game adaptations is mixed, but we have reason to be cautiously optimistic. We’ve seen the recent success of The Last of Us, Arcane, and the Sonic movies.
These projects have proven that with the right creative vision. But without a confirmed director or release date, the project is still in its early stages. What do you think? Will Simu Liu pull it off? Will we finally get a sequel? Let us know in the comments!
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