Simu Liu Leads Sleeping Dogs Movie as Director Timo Tjahjanto Joins

Simu Liu has confirmed progress on a long-awaited live-action adaptation of the video game Sleeping Dogs, with the actor set to play undercover cop Wei Shen. Action filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto is attached to direct, marking the strongest momentum the project has seen in years.

The film does not yet have a studio partner or release date. However, Liu says the script is finished, signaling that the adaptation has moved beyond early development.

Simu Liu and Sleeping Dogs Movie Details Take Shape

The Sleeping Dogs movie is based on the 2012 open-world crime game developed by United Front Games and published by Square Enix. The story follows Wei Shen, a Hong Kong-American police officer sent undercover to infiltrate the Sun On Yee Triad. The game earned strong reviews for its combat system, narrative depth, and Hong Kong setting.

Simu Liu has confirmed through public statements that he will portray Wei Shen. He also stated that the screenplay is complete, an important step for a project that has stalled multiple times since its original announcement in the mid-2010s.

An earlier version of the adaptation was linked to martial arts star Donnie Yen around 2017. That iteration never entered production and was eventually shelved. The new version represents a creative reset rather than a continuation of the previous plan.

Timo Tjahjanto’s involvement is a major development for fans of the game. The Indonesian director is known for stylized, hard-hitting action films, including The Night Comes for Us. He recently completed work on Nobody 2, a sequel to the 2021 action hit starring Bob Odenkirk.

Tjahjanto has previously described himself as a fan of Sleeping Dogs and has publicly discussed challenges in convincing studios of the property’s cinematic potential. His attachment suggests a creative vision closely aligned with the game’s intense combat and grounded crime drama.

At this stage, no casting beyond Simu Liu has been announced. Production timelines remain unconfirmed, and no distributor has been named.

What the Project Means for Game-to-Film Adaptations

The Sleeping Dogs movie arrives during renewed interest in video game adaptations. Recent successes in film and television have made studios more receptive to established gaming properties with strong narrative foundations.

Simu Liu’s involvement also brings additional visibility. The actor rose to global prominence through Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and has since taken on projects aimed at expanding Asian-led action storytelling in Hollywood.

For fans of the original game, the project represents a second chance for a franchise that ended prematurely. Although Sleeping Dogs was critically praised, it did not generate the sales needed to support sequels.

Industry observers note that securing a studio partner will be the key next step. With a completed script and a director experienced in action choreography, the project is now better positioned than previous attempts.

Simu Liu’s commitment and Timo Tjahjanto’s direction place the Sleeping Dogs movie closer to reality than ever before. Whether it reaches theaters will depend on studio backing in the months ahead.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Simu Liu confirmed to star in Sleeping Dogs?

Yes. Simu Liu has confirmed he will play Wei Shen, the film’s central character. He also stated that the script has been completed.

Q2: Who is directing the Sleeping Dogs movie?

Timo Tjahjanto is attached as director. He is known for The Night Comes for Us and for directing Nobody 2.

Q3: Does the Sleeping Dogs movie have a release date?

No release date has been announced. The project is still seeking a studio partner.

Q4: Is this the first attempt to adapt Sleeping Dogs?

No. A previous version linked to Donnie Yen was announced in 2017 but never entered production.

Q5: What is Sleeping Dogs based on?

The film is based on the 2012 video game by United Front Games. It centers on undercover police work within Hong Kong’s criminal underworld.