Sleeping Dogs Film Moves a Step Closer to Production

The idea of adapting Sleeping Dogs has lingered among fans since the game’s release more than a decade ago. In 2017 Donnie Yen attempted to revive the project, but that effort eventually stalled.

Earlier in 2025, Simu Liu (Shang‑Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) stepped in to spearhead a new film adaptation. The project has now reached an important milestone: the first draft of the screenplay is finished.

The actor confirmed on X that the draft is complete and has likely been submitted for review. The identities of the director and screenwriter remain unknown for now, and the script’s author has not been disclosed.

Liu noted that Square Enix has been cooperative and receptive, though studios have not yet fully appreciated the brand’s commercial potential.

If the script receives approval, casting and principal photography will follow. Ultimately, the project’s fate depends on whether a studio decides to back the film. Sleeping Dogs remains one of the most beloved open-world, GTA‑style titles, and Hollywood’s recent string of successful game-to-screen adaptations suggests there’s appetite for projects like this.

Source: iXBT.games