Simu Liu has confirmed that the long-in-development Sleeping Dogs movie adaptation has a real path forward as active dealmaking continues with game publisher Square Enix. Liu took over the project after a previous attempt starring Donnie Yen was canned in early 2025, bringing on director Timo Tjahjanto and production outfit Story Kitchen.
Fans of United Front Games’ gritty, open-world crime epic have wondered if undercover cop Wei Shen would ever make the leap from consoles to the big screen. Simu Liu is steering a fresh attempt. His latest social media update proves that the project has a director, a production company, and a real path forward.
The Bottom Line
- Active Negotiations: Simu Liu confirmed on social media that the production team is in the dealmaking process with game publisher Square Enix.
- Creative Roster: Nobody 2 and Killers director Timo Tjahjanto is attached to helm the project, with game adaptation studio Story Kitchen producing alongside Liu.
- Script Status: A completed screenplay draft was finalized by October 2025, setting the stage for the gritty, neo-noir Hong Kong underworld story.
How Simu Liu Revived the Project
The road to bringing Sleeping Dogs to theaters has been winding. Early momentum belonged to Donnie Yen, whose iteration was officially canned in early 2025. Liu stepped in to shepherd a brand-new live-action interpretation. Liu is set to produce and star as Wei Shen, the conflicted protagonist torn between his badge and his childhood loyalty to the Hong Kong Triads.
He revealed that a complete script draft was ready by October 2025. That tangible milestone shifted the project from a concept.
But there are hurdles ahead. As noted by coverage from TheGamer, while Liu has praised Square Enix as being great to work with, he has also pointed out that other studios do not seem to understand the importance of the IP, noting that it has been difficult to find a biter.
Behind the Creative Team Building Neo-Noir Hong Kong
Project execution relies on the talent assembled behind the camera. Tjahjanto, known for his work on Nobody 2 and Killers, is the film’s director.
Adding video game adaptation studio Story Kitchen to the roster provides support. The official description on Story Kitchen’s site paints a picture for players: a vibrant, contemporary, neon-infused neo-noir Hong Kong where Wei Shen must balance police duty with violent familial ties.
Where the Production Stands
| Project Milestone | Status / Detail | Key Collaborator |
|---|---|---|
| IP Rights & Publisher | Active dealmaking phase | Square Enix |
| Production Studio | Attached and developing | Story Kitchen |
| Directing | Confirmed director | Timo Tjahjanto (Nobody 2) |
| Star & Producer | Leading as Wei Shen | Simu Liu |
| Screenplay | Draft completed | Finished by October 2025 |
Right now, the Sleeping Dogs movie does not have a firm release date or window. Liu’s schedule includes his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Avengers: Doomsday this December, alongside his ongoing efforts to make Shang-Chi 2 happen.
As negotiations with Square Enix continue, the industry will be watching to see how the project progresses.
Drop a comment below: Do you think Timo Tjahjanto’s directorial style is the right fit for a live-action Sleeping Dogs, or should Hollywood leave this 2012 cult classic on the shelf?
Related reading
