Simu Liu has provided a new update on the long-developing Sleeping Dogs live-action adaptation. The Marvel star, who is set to produce and star as Wei Shen, confirmed that the project now has a director, a production company, and what he described as a “REAL path forward,” while negotiations with Square Enix continue.
Project Information
Here is a clear overview of the key details currently confirmed for the Sleeping Dogs live-action adaptation.
| Category | Details |
| IP Owner | Square Enix |
|
Lead Actor / Producer
|
Simu Liu (Wei Shen)
|
| Director | Timo Tjahjanto |
|
Production Company
|
Story Kitchen |
| Status |
Dealmaking with Square Enix
|
| Release Date |
Not yet announced
|
Simu Liu’s Latest Update
In a reply to a fan on X in August 2026, Simu Liu shared the most substantive public update on the project in several months:
“We’re moving along really well, we have a director, and a production company, and a REAL path forward. 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!”
The comments confirm that key pieces of the production are in place, even as the team works to finalize the necessary rights agreement with Square Enix, the publisher of the original 2012 game.
Current Development Status
The project has cleared several important hurdles:
- A completed script draft (announced by Liu in October 2025)
- Director Timo Tjahjanto attached
- Production company Story Kitchen involved
- Simu Liu confirmed as both star and producer
The remaining major step is securing a formal deal with Square Enix. Until that process is completed, the film has not yet moved into full pre-production or received a release window.
This version of the adaptation follows an earlier attempt that had Donnie Yen attached, which was ultimately cancelled in early 2025. Liu subsequently took the lead in developing the current project.
Why the Project Matters
Sleeping Dogs remains a cult favorite for its blend of open-world action, grounded martial arts combat, and undercover crime story set in Hong Kong. The game’s focus on Triad infiltration, moral conflict, and fluid melee combat has long made it an appealing candidate for a live-action adaptation in the tradition of Hong Kong crime cinema.
Liu’s dual role as star and producer, combined with Tjahjanto’s experience directing intense, stylish action (The Night Comes for Us, Nobody 2), has kept fan interest alive despite the typically slow pace of video game adaptations navigating rights and studio alignment.
Outlook
The latest update from Simu Liu is the most encouraging public signal the project has received in some time. Having a director, production company, completed script draft, and active negotiations with the rights holder represents meaningful progress.
At the same time, the film remains dependent on a successful deal with Square Enix and has no announced release date. As with many adaptations still navigating rights and studio alignment, further confirmation will be needed before production timelines can be assessed with confidence.
What is confirmed
- Simu Liu starring as Wei Shen and producing
- Director Timo Tjahjanto attached
- Story Kitchen producing
- Script draft completed
- Active dealmaking with Square Enix
What remains unknown
- Final rights agreement status
- Release window
- Full creative team and supporting cast
- Specific story and tonal approach
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