The Sleeping Dogs movie adaptation appears to be making meaningful progress, with star and producer Simu Liu confirming that the project now has a director, production company and a clear path towards production.
Responding to a fan asking about the long-awaited adaptation, Liu said, “okay, here it is. we’re moving along really well, we have a director, and a production company, and a REAL path forward.” He added that the team is currently working through a deal with the game’s studio, saying, “we’re just in the dealmaking process with the game studio rn (which is a total fan moment for me bc i love SquareEnix). your support is fuelling us all!”
Liu is attached to play undercover police officer Wei Shen in the Sleeping Dogs movie and produce the project. Timo Tjahjanto, known for action films including The Night Comes for Us, is attached to direct.
The current project has been in development for some time, following an earlier attempt to adapt Sleeping Dogs with Donnie Yen attached to star. That version ultimately stalled, but Liu’s latest comments indicate that the new production has established a more concrete route forward.
Sleeping Dogs Movie Still Requires Square Enix Deal
The project is currently in negotiations with Square Enix to finalise the necessary rights. Liu’s comments therefore suggest that the movie is progressing, but it has not yet reached the point where production can be considered fully secured.
Sleeping Dogs was originally developed by United Front Games and published by Square Enix in 2012. Set in an open-world version of Hong Kong, the game follows Wei Shen as he infiltrates the criminal organisation known as the Sun On Yee.
The game became known for its martial arts-focused combat and undercover crime story, but the franchise has remained dormant since United Front Games closed in 2016. A Definitive Edition was later released, while fans have continued to call for a sequel or revival.
