Actor Simu Liu has shared an encouraging update on the long-delayed Sleeping Dogs film adaptation, confirming that the first draft of the movie’s script is officially complete. Liu, best known for his role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, posted the news on X (formerly Twitter), along with a photo showing the title page of the screenplay dated October 3, 2025. The visible text confirms that the film is based on Square Enix’s 2012 open-world video game of the same name.
“In honour of our Sleeping Dogs script draft being done, here’s my sleepy dog,” Liu wrote, humorously referencing the milestone. When asked by another user how discussions with Square Enix were going, Liu replied, “They’re absolutely great—it’s the studios that don’t seem to understand how important this IP is, BUT we will get them there.” His comments suggest ongoing efforts to push the project into active production.
The Sleeping Dogs film has had a complicated history. A live-action adaptation was first announced in 2017 with action legend Donnie Yen attached to play undercover cop Wei Shen, and Neal H. Moritz serving as producer. Despite Yen’s enthusiasm, the project languished for years without progress. In early 2025, Yen confirmed that the film was no longer moving forward, saying he had even invested his own money into the project before it was abandoned.
Soon after, Simu Liu revealed that he had taken over development, working with the rights holders and production company Story Kitchen to revive the adaptation. Earlier this year, IGN confirmed that Liu would both star in and produce the film, which officially entered pre-production in February 2025.
Originally developed by United Front Games and published by Square Enix in 2012, Sleeping Dogs became a cult classic for its cinematic storytelling, open-world design, and martial arts-inspired combat. The game follows undercover officer Wei Shen as he infiltrates the Sun On Yee Triad organization in Hong Kong, balancing loyalty between the criminal underworld and the police.
