“Flash Point” Chinese Theatrical Poster
Considering Donnie Yen’s (Chasing the Dragon, Kung Fu Jungle) involvement in two high-profile Hollywood projects (xXx: Return of Xander Cage, Star Wars: Rogue One), it was inevitable that he would sooner, rather than later, headline his own Hollywood film.
Over 3 years ago, it was reported that the Hong Kong superstar would be starring in a film adaptation of Square Enix’s hit video game Sleeping Dogs, produced by Neal Moritz (Fast and Furious franchise).
Since then, news about Sleeping dogs was off and on, but now, Yen recently re-confirmed his participation in the film, posting a video of himself busting a few warm-up moves at the gym and writing that he is “aiming to make another breakthrough movie.” He will star as main character Wei Shen, an undercover police officer who infiltrates the Hong Kong triads. “I am excited to start preparing for the next challenge,” he said (via Variety).
Sleeping Dogs follows an undercover police officer (Yen) on a mission to take down one of the most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations in the world: the notorious Triads. The movie based on an action video game is set in Hong Kong and focuses on martial arts fighting, racing, boat chases… and shooting while doing all of that (via Deadline).
Sleeping Dogs is a lot more synonymous with Yen’s Hong Kong-style of filming than what’s described in its plot. Asian film expert/producer Mike Leeder (Ultimate Justice) was responsible for voice casting Sleeping Dogs when the game was known as its preliminary title True Crime: Hong Kong. Leeder also produced/coordinated the game’s live-action trailer (see video below) with late actor/martial artist Darren Shahlavi (Kickboxer: Vengeance, Ip Man 2), who choreographed the action.
We’ll keep you posted as Sleeping Dogs progresses.
That’s great and all, but we already have a Sleeping Dogs movie with Donnie Yen. Its called Special ID, lol!
‘Special ID’ isn’t a movie, it’s a steaming pile of trash. I’d rather have my testicles smashed then have the displeasure of ever having to watch it again.
Haha, cool story, bro! XD
Special ID was meant to topple Flashpoint and SPL, but failed 100000x. That movie is unwatchable!
The trailer was so freaking mindblowing and amazing!
no wonder why Vincent left the set because they kept freaking changing everything about the damn movie!!!
I agree with the above: Special I.D. is unequivocally bad.
That said, I do want to see this made and on the big screen, but not with Donnie as Wei Shen. If we’re going with known quantities, I’d like to see Max Zhang in the lead. Maybe Andy On. Maybe.
I’m one of the few people out there who enjoyed Special ID just as much as Flash Point. I liked how Donnie played an irresponsible smart-ass while decimating everyone in his way even when he was broken and battered. I just don’t get the hate for it.
I’d be happy with a Sleeping Dogs movie, but I hope Donnie is allowed to let loose.
Hopefully this film comes to fruition, I really like the game.
Disagree completely about Special ID,
Movie was good, fights were really good choreography and executed, the whole story yes was quite simple and etc. But this movie wasnt trash at all.
Donnie Yen’s recent trash was Enter the fat Dragon, i had really big hope for this one, but holy shit it was uber bad, exept maybe that big warehouse fight secuence but the rest was really bad in any possible way ( comedy was really bad…)
waiting!!!!!
I really hope this happens it’s been so long since announced!
Sleeping Dogs was a great game that not enough people played. Easily my favorite “open world crime” game, more interesting than any GTA, in my opinion. Sometimes I think about firing it back up and experiencing that recreation of Hong Kong once again.
Fingers crossed that the movie turns out good.