A long-discussed live-action adaptation of the video game Sleeping Dogs is gaining momentum, with actor Simu Liu confirmed to star and Indonesian filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto set to direct, according to statements from those involved. The project, however, still lacks a studio partner and an announced release date.
The film is based on the 2012 open-world crime game developed by United Front Games and published by Square Enix, which followed undercover police officer Wei Shen as he infiltrated Hong Kong’s Sun On Yee triad. Liu confirmed his involvement on social media and said the screenplay was finished, stating that “the script is ready,” suggesting the project is moving steadily through development.
Sleeping Dogs earned critical acclaim for its martial arts–driven combat, parkour elements and gritty Hong Kong setting, but it underperformed commercially, leading to the cancellation of planned sequels. An earlier attempt to adapt the game for film, with martial arts star Donnie Yen attached in 2017, failed to progress beyond early discussions.
Tjahjanto’s involvement has raised expectations among fans of the franchise. The director is known for action-heavy films such as The Night Comes for Us and recently completed work on Nobody 2, demonstrating experience with large-scale productions and stylized fight choreography.
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Despite the lack of confirmed financing or distribution, the completion of the script and the attachment of established talent suggest the Sleeping Dogs adaptation may finally move forward after years of stalled efforts.