Actor Simu Liu, widely recognized for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, may be developing an open-world action film adaptation inspired by Sleeping Dogs. The game, released in 2012, narrated the journey of an undercover Hong Kong police officer who recently returned from the United States, weaving together a city-wide tapestry of loyalties, crime, and personal codes. The rumor hints at a cinematic expansion that could blend the gritty atmosphere of Hong Kong with high-octane action, all framed through Liu’s star power.
The possibility emerged after Liu referenced a secret project in discussions at Comic-Con. He touched on a project related to Sleeping Dogs, signaling interest without unveiling specifics, and letting fans read between the lines about a potential adaptation that could mirror the game’s bold storytelling and open-world exploration.
In essence, there exists a video game featuring a lead character who is Asian-American and operates within the networks of Hong Kong’s bustling streets. The actor hinted that he might be involved, choosing not to rush any announcement while remaining enthusiastic about the prospect. His comments suggest a future project that could translate the game’s undercover narrative and kinetic action to the silver screen.
— Sim Liu
The chatter around Liu’s potential involvement intensified after he demonstrated engagement with fans on social media. He liked a post on Twitter that speculated about Sleeping Dogs and also re-shared a note from a gaming portal on his Instagram Stories, drawing additional attention to his Comic-Con remarks and fueling the conversation about a possible adaptation.
It should be noted that the Sleeping Dogs project was first announced in 2017, with Donnie Yen initially lined up for the lead role. In 2020, Yen signaled that preparations for filming were underway, yet production never commenced. The possibility of a cinematic Sleeping Dogs persists in discussions about action cinema that centers on undercover operations, urban terrain, and a morally gray hero navigating a city that never sleeps.
Note: this topic has seen various rumors and official silence, making it a point of curiosity for fans of the game and fans of Liu alike, as both the game’s world and the actor’s screen presence continue to spark conversation about a potential collaboration on screen.