The anticipated film adaptation of the beloved 2012 video game "Sleeping Dogs" seemed to be a lost cause until recent developments brought new hope. Marvel star Simu Liu has stepped in, expressing his commitment to reviving the project. In a response to a fan's post on X/Twitter, Liu announced, "Working with the rights holders to bring Sleeping Dogs to the big screen," signaling a potential turnaround for the long-stalled project.
Originally announced in 2017, the adaptation was set to feature Donnie Yen in the starring role. However, the project vanished from the spotlight a year later and was officially confirmed as cancelled by Yen himself just a few weeks ago. Yen shared his disappointment, revealing his deep involvement and personal investment in the project. "I spent a lot of time and did a lot of work with these producers, and I even invested some of my own money into obtaining the drafts and some of the rights," he explained. "I waited for years. And I really wanted to do it. And unfortunately... I don't know. You know how Hollywood goes, right?"
With the involvement of Simu Liu, best known for his role in "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," fans of the game have a renewed sense of hope. Whether Liu will successfully secure the rights and bring the film to fruition remains uncertain, but his enthusiasm is a promising sign.
"Sleeping Dogs" originally launched on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, immersing players in the gripping narrative of detective Wei Shen as he infiltrates one of Hong Kong's notorious Triad crime syndicates. The game garnered critical acclaim, scoring an impressive 8/10 from IGN. Despite its success, no sequels were produced, leaving fans eager for any continuation, including a film adaptation.