Simu Liu, our beloved star from "Shang-Chi", recently spilled the tea on social media that he's been in talks with rights holders about turning the cult favorite video game "The Sleeping Dogs" into a movie. Well, folks, the wait is over, and the good news is here – it's officially happening! The adrenaline-pumping action game that has captivated gamers is set to leap into the real world as a live-action film. Not only will Liu be the producer, but he's also stepping into the shoes of the lead character, Wei Shen. Buckle up, because it sounds like we're in for a thrilling ride!
"The Sleeping Dogs," unleashed in 2012, made waves on the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, perfectly capturing the undercover exploits of Shen Wei as he infiltrates Hong Kong's notorious Triad society, the "Sun On Yee." Set against the raw, bustling streets of Hong Kong and featuring dialogues in authentic Cantonese, the game is a vivid tapestry of local colors. Its tightly woven narrative not only struck a chord locally but also earned massive props from the global gaming community, securing its status as a cult classic in the hearts of players everywhere.
Despite the game being a hit among players, its sales didn't live up to the expectations of the publisher Square Enix, ultimately leading to the decision not to develop a sequel, leaving many fans heartbroken. The buzz exploded online when Si-Mu Liu announced plans to adapt this cult classic into a movie.
Actually, "The Sleeping Dogs" movie adaptation was on the drawing board way back in 2017, with action star Donnie Yen slated to lead, but the project got shelved a year later. Now, as a fan, Liu Simu isn't just eager to push the movie-making process forward; he's also hoping it'll spark the game developers to roll out a sequel. However, since the original game's studio, United Front Game, has since closed down, the future of a sequel hangs in the balance, hinging on the film’s box office draw and profitability.
This time around, the collaboration for the film adaptation is with Story Kitchen, a powerhouse that has previously nailed numerous video game-to-screen projects. These include the blockbuster “Super Sonic” and the Netflix animated series “Tomb Raider Lara.” As for the cast and other collaborators, we'll have to hang tight for future updates.
