The Sleeping Dogs Movie Is Finally Making Real Progress
By Jaymo | 5 Days AgoIt looks like the long-awaited Sleeping Dogs movie might finally be getting somewhere!
After years of uncertainty surrounding the adaptation, Simu Liu has given fans a surprisingly positive update, saying the project is “moving along really well” and now has a director, a production company, and a “REAL path forward.”
okay, here it is. we’re moving along really well, we have a director, and a production company, and a REAL path forward.
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) August 16, 2026
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! https://t.co/1ufLYZab0E
The update came after a fan asked Liu where things currently stand with the movie. Liu responded directly, explaining that the team is currently working through the dealmaking process with Square Enix, since they own the Sleeping Dogs IP. Liu wrote that they already have a director and a production company, and that the only big step currently being worked out is the deal with the game studio. He also admitted that negotiating with Square Enix is a bit of a fan moment for him, saying he loves the company.
And honestly, this is probably the most encouraging update we have had in a while.
Finally Moving Forward
The Sleeping Dogs movie has had a pretty messy history. The original adaptation was announced years ago with Donnie Yen attached, but that version eventually fell apart. Liu later picked up the project and confirmed in 2025 that a script draft had been completed. Timo Tjahjanto, known for action movies including The Night Comes for Us and Nobody 2, was also confirmed as the new director toward the end of 2025.
So the movie now has a script, a director, a production company, and Simu Liu. The big thing still missing is the final agreement with Square Enix.
That means we should not call the movie officially greenlit just yet. But compared to where the project has been for most of its history, this is definitely a much more promising situation. And considering how many fans are still asking for a Sleeping Dogs 2, getting the movie made could potentially give the franchise a second life.
For now, though, we will have to wait and see if Liu and the team can get that deal with Square Enix over the line.
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