Marvel Cinematic Universe star Simu Liu shared an update on the film adaptation Sleeping dogs, and it looks like it's moving in a positive direction. Liu has been working on the project since first revealing his intention in January 2025 Sleeping dogs to the big screen and its recent update has given fans new hope that the film will happen.
First released for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2012, Sleeping dogs is an open-world action game set in Hong Kong that finds undercover cop Wei Shen making his way through the city to take down the Triads. Fans have been hoping for another game for years, but the potential Sleeping dogs the sequel was canceled by Square Enix. When Liu teased that he wanted to make a film adaptation, fans of the series hoped that the project would move forward with a big name on board.
Sim Liu's Draft Screenplay Teases Sleeping Dogs
On October 18, Simu Liu took to his Twitter account to share some good news: a draft script Sleeping dogs was completed. Fans rejoiced at his comments, with many sharing animations of their favorite scenes or fight sequences from the game. One Twitter user asked how it was working with Square Enix, and Liu revealed that the studio was great. Liu says the biggest hurdle has been getting film studios to understand the importance of IP, but believes the project is moving in the right direction.
When Liu originally announced it Sleeping dogs will be released in theaters, it seemed like it was still at ground level, and IP rights negotiations were still on the table. But Sleeping dogs it may have already been in development at the time Liu stated his intention. Reports state that entertainment company Story Kitchen will lead the project and that Liu himself will play the role of Wei Shen.
This is not the first tour for a Sleeping dogs film. In 2017, actor, filmmaker, and martial artist Donnie Yen announced his film adaptation of the game, intending to play the protagonist Shen. Unfortunately, Yen announced in early January 2025 that his Sleeping dogs the film project was officially cancelled. This was just a few weeks after Liu announced his intention to bring the game to the big screen.
Video game film and television adaptations have grown over the years, with shows like The last of us release earlier this year and Fallout Season 2 will be revealed at Gamescom in August. Other movies like Super Mario Bros. and Minecraft were popular with both adults and children. While Sleeping dogs may be an older title that some casual game and movie fans may not be familiar with, having Liu at the helm could breathe life into this cult classic game.
- Released
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August 14, 2012
- ESRB
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M For Adults 17+ due to blood and gore, intense violence, sexual content, strong language, drug use
- Developers
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United Front Games
- Engine
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Havoc
