Development Update: The Sleeping Dogs Movie in Progress

Overview of the Upcoming Sleeping Dogs Movie

Simu Liu is actively working on adapting the popular game Sleeping Dogs into a feature film.
Donnie Yen, who was initially attached to the project, provided an unfavorable update regarding its status last month.
Liu’s youthful energy and authentic approach make him an ideal candidate for the lead role of Wei Shen in this Hollywood adaptation.

Simu Liu, known for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has long expressed interest in creating a cinematic homage to the beloved video game Sleeping Dogs. Recent developments reveal that Liu is making strides to bring this vision to life.

Sleeping Dogs is an acclaimed open-world action-adventure game crafted by United Front Games and published by Square Enix. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Hong Kong, it follows Wei Shen, an undercover police officer infiltrating the notorious Triad crime syndicate. The game’s captivating narrative, immersive environment, and engaging combat mechanics garnered rave reviews, leading to a sequel that, despite its ambition, was ultimately shelved. Initially, Donnie Yen was slated to direct and star in the film adaptation; however, he confirmed earlier this year that the project had been canceled after years of anticipation. Fortunately, Liu is reportedly revitalizing the concept and making substantial progress.

Last week, Liu took to social media to announce his involvement in the Sleeping Dogs film project, stating, “Working with the rights holders to bring Sleeping Dogs to the big screen!” Meanwhile, an insider disclosed to IGN Southeast Asia that the project is “further ahead” than Liu’s update indicated. The film is already in active development, with Liu set to portray the lead character Wei Shen. The project is spearheaded by Story Kitchen, an entertainment company known for adapting video game narratives, including the Sonic the Hedgehog films and the upcoming Tomb Raider series on Netflix. They also recently announced an adaptation of Square Enix’s Just Cause. IGN has reached out to Square Enix for an official commentary.

Working with the rights holders to bring Sleeping Dogs to the big screen! — Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) January 30, 2025

Initially, Yen was charged with both directing and starring in the movie, which first surfaced in 2017. Upon reflecting on his experience this year, he provided a disheartening update: “I spent a lot of time and did a lot of work with these producers, and I even invested some of my own money into obtaining the drafts and some of the rights, ” Yen shared with Polygon.“I waited for years. Years. And I really want to do it. I have all these visions in my head, and unfortunately… I don’t know, you know how Hollywood goes, right? I spent many, many years on it. It was an unfortunate thing.” It appears now that Liu has taken the helm to move the project forward.

Both Yen and Liu bring valuable qualities to the role of Wei Shen, embodying the Asian representation that is pertinent to the film’s setting in Hong Kong. Yet, there is a notable distinction between the two. Yen, with his extensive experience in action cinema as a seasoned martial artist, holds a significant edge in authentic fight choreography. However, at over 60 years old, he diverges from the envisioned youthful portrayal of Wei Shen. In contrast, Liu, at the age of 35, aligns more closely with the character, rendering him a more suitable choice for this Hollywood adaptation. Incorporating Yen into the film as a mentor figure to Liu’s character could enhance both the narrative and the action, merging Liu’s fresh interpretation with Yen’s expertise.

For more detailed insights and updates, visit IGN.

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