Simu Liu Gives New Production Update on Sleeping Dogs Movie Adaptation

Actor Simu Liu has offered a fresh progress update on the long-awaited adaptation of the video game Sleeping Dogs. Responding to an inquiry from a fan on social media platform X, Liu shared that the production is moving forward steadily, equipped with a designated director, a production company, and a script that has been in place for some time.

Originally, the live-action adaptation was set to star Donnie Yen. However, early last year, Yen indicated that the project was no longer moving forward. Following that development, MCU star Simu Liu stepped up to resurrect the adaptation, with plans to star as protagonist Wei Shen and produce the film. In October of last year, Liu revealed that the first script draft had been completed, and by December announced that Timo Tjahjanto would direct the project.

According to Liu's latest statements, the main focus is currently on the dealmaking process with the game studio. "we're moving along really well, we have a director, and a production company, and a REAL path forward," Liu wrote on X. "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!"

While the film does not yet have a confirmed release date, the presence of a script, writer, director, and production company has kept things looking hopeful for fans of the 2012 open-world crime title. Sleeping Dogs originally launched for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360, later receiving a remastered release titled Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition for PS4 and Xbox One in 2014. Development on a sequel by original studio United Front Games was shelved in 2013 before full production could begin, leaving the upcoming film as the primary avenue for the franchise's return to the screen.