the dream of seeing a film adaptation of SLEEPING DOGS is closer to being fulfilled. Simu Liu, Marvel star and protagonist of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, confirmed that the first draft of the script for the film is already finished. The news was accompanied by a photo of his sleeping dog, alluding to the title of the game.
Sleeping Dogs Back
Liu shared the update on social networks showing a fragment of the document, although he hid part of the content. In the comments, a person asked him if they had already reached an agreement with Square Enix, owner of the franchise. The actor replied: “They are absolutely great; it is the studios that do not seem to understand how important this IP is, But we will convince them.”
His words suggest that production still faces internal obstacles, although the progress of the script is a positive signal after years of uncertainty.
From Donnie Yen to Simu Liu: The rebirth of a forgotten project
The first adaptation of SLEEPING DOGS It was announced in 2017 with Donnie Yen as the protagonist, but the film faded shortly after. Earlier this year, Yen revealed that the project had been canceled after investing time, effort and personal money to acquire some rights and drafts.
Weeks later, Simu Liu resumed the project with the support of the intellectual property holders. Since then, the actor has insisted that he wants to do justice to one of the most beloved franchises of the PS3 and Xbox 360 era.
Story Kitchen develops the new version. This is the studio responsible for productions such as films of Sonic the Hedgehog and the animated series of Tomb Raider for Netflix. Liu will not only play the undercover agent Wei Shen, but also appears as executive producer, which suggests a strong personal commitment to the project.
For now, there are no details about the cast, filming date or director, but the progress of the script confirms that the film is still underway after more than eight years of waiting.
A classic that refuses to die
Released in 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC, SLEEPING DOGS It tells the story of Wei Shen, an undercover detective who infiltrates one of Hong Kong’s most dangerous triads. The game did not meet Square Enix’s sales expectations. However, his mix of action, narrative, and hand-to-hand combat made him a cult title.
Square Enix planned a sequel in 2013, but canceled it before it went into production. Three years later, its developer studio, United Front Games, closed definitively. Despite everything, the legacy of SLEEPING DOGS Keep alive. His leap to the cinema could be the opportunity that fans have been waiting for for more than a decade.
With the script already finished and Simu Liu leading the project, SLEEPING DOGS I could finally wake up on the big screen.
