Simu Liu Is Trying To Revive A Canceled Video Game Movie

The Marvel Star is Bringing the Classic Video Game to the Big Screen

Sleeping Dogs, the 2012 open-world RPG that captivated players with its gritty crime drama and intense action, is making a surprising comeback—this time as a potential movie. After years of development struggles, Sleeping Dogs was officially canceled earlier this year, but now, MCU star Simu Liu is working hard to bring the film adaptation back from the dead.

The game, set in contemporary Hong Kong, centers around Wei Shen, an undercover cop tasked with infiltrating the Sun On Yee Triad. Players take control of Shen as he navigates the dangerous world of organized crime, using a mix of martial arts, gunplay, parkour, and gadgets. The game offers an expansive open world where players can choose between legal and illegal missions, all while trying to avoid escalating police attention with a “heat” system similar to Grand Theft Auto.

Simu Liu Takes the Lead on Sleeping Dogs Movie

In an unexpected twist, Simu Liu—known for his role as Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—has confirmed that he is working on reviving the Sleeping Dogs movie project. Liu revealed his involvement in a recent social media interaction with a fan who expressed interest in a Sleeping Dogs sequel. The actor, known for his martial arts skills, casually mentioned that he was “working with the rights holders to bring Sleeping Dogs to the big screen,” igniting a fresh wave of excitement among fans.

However, this isn't the first attempt to bring Sleeping Dogs to cinemas. Back in 2017, discussions began around adapting the game into a film, but after initial talks, progress stalled. In 2020, rumors suggested that production was on the brink of starting, but once again, nothing materialized. Earlier this year, the movie was officially canceled, leaving fans wondering if the project would ever get off the ground.

Challenges in Bringing Sleeping Dogs to Life

Despite Liu’s efforts, there are still significant hurdles ahead for the Sleeping Dogs movie. While the game remains beloved by many, its age—12 years—raises questions about whether there’s enough ongoing interest to justify a major movie adaptation. Video game adaptations, while becoming more frequent, still have a mixed track record, which could work against the success of this project.

However, with Simu Liu, a rising star in Hollywood, at the helm, there’s hope that the Sleeping Dogs movie could find new life. Liu’s involvement could be a major boost, considering his popularity after Shang-Chi and his demonstrated martial arts skills, which would be a perfect fit for the action-packed world of Sleeping Dogs.

What’s Next for the Sleeping Dogs Movie?

At this stage, Liu has been careful not to promise anything definitive, as he emphasizes that the project is still in its early stages. While the cancellation of the movie could open the door for Liu and his team to secure the rights and restart the production process, there’s no guarantee that the film will ever come to fruition.

For fans, the news is both exciting and bittersweet. The possibility of seeing Sleeping Dogs on the big screen remains alive, but the road ahead is still uncertain. With Liu pushing for the project’s revival, there’s hope that this long-awaited movie adaptation could finally see the light of day, but only time will tell if it can overcome the challenges that have plagued it for years.

Stay tuned to see if Sleeping Dogs will make its way to theaters—and whether Simu Liu can pull it off!