More than a decade after its release, the cult favorite video game Sleeping Dogs is edging closer to the big screen.
Actor Simu Liu, who has been spearheading efforts to adapt the game into a film, confirmed this week that Indonesian action director Timo Tjahjanto has signed on to direct the Sleeping Dogs movie adaptation.
The announcement marks a significant step forward for a project that has lingered in development for years despite strong fan demand.
Liu shared the update while promoting his upcoming Peacock series The Copenhagen Test, saying the film now has both a completed script draft and a director, though no release date has been announced.
Released in 2012 by Square Enix and United Front Games, Sleeping Dogs was praised for its cinematic storytelling, Hong Kong setting and hand to hand combat system.
Players followed undercover police officer Wei Shen as he infiltrated criminal triads, blending crime drama with martial arts driven gameplay.
Despite strong reviews and a devoted fan base, the game never received a sequel. Industry analysts attributed that decision to sales that fell short of publisher expectations, even as the title gained long term popularity.
Hollywood interest in a Sleeping Dogs movie adaptation is not new. Martial arts star Donnie Yen was previously attached to a proposed film several years ago, but that version stalled. Liu later revived the project, positioning himself as both lead actor and producer.
Tjahjanto is known among action film enthusiasts for directing The Night Comes for Us, a brutal and critically acclaimed 2018 martial arts film, and more recently Nobody 2, the sequel to the Bob Odenkirk-led action hit.
“Tjahjanto has a reputation for choreography that feels raw and grounded, which fits the tone of Sleeping Dogs,” said Mark Ellis, a film studies lecturer at the University of Southern California who specializes in video game adaptations.
“That approach could help the Sleeping Dogs movie adaptation avoid the glossy excess that has hurt similar projects.”
Video game films have had mixed results in recent years, but recent successes such as The Last of Us television series have renewed studio confidence in faithful adaptations.
According to industry tracking firm VGChartz, Sleeping Dogs sold several million copies worldwide, a modest figure compared with blockbuster franchises but strong enough to sustain long term interest.
Grand Theft Auto V sold more than one hundred ninety million copies, underscoring the uphill battle Sleeping Dogs faced as a new intellectual property.
In film, adaptations of mid tier games have historically struggled, though action driven properties like Mortal Kombat have shown that focused storytelling can succeed with the right creative team.
Fans of the game welcomed the announcement cautiously. “I’ve been waiting years to hear real progress,” said Daniel Wu, a Hong Kong based gamer who played the original title at launch.
“Having an action director who understands martial arts gives me some hope this time.”.
“Having a director attached is a milestone, not a guarantee,” said Laura Chen, a Los Angeles based film producer not involved with the project.
“Financing, scheduling and studio backing will determine whether the Sleeping Dogs movie adaptation actually reaches theaters.”
The film remains in early development, with no confirmed production start or distribution partner. Liu has previously said the project is a personal priority, though his schedule includes ongoing work with Marvel Studios and other film commitments.
The original game’s protagonist, Wei Shen, was voiced by actor Will Yun Lee, who is currently attached to upcoming high profile projects.
It remains unclear whether he will appear in the film in any capacity. For now, the attachment of Tjahjanto represents the clearest signal yet that the adaptation is moving forward after years of uncertainty.
The Sleeping Dogs movie adaptation has taken a concrete step ahead with the confirmation of an experienced action director, adding momentum to a project long sought by fans.
While significant hurdles remain, the combination of a completed script, a committed lead actor and a proven director places the film in a stronger position than previous attempts. Its future will depend on how those elements align within an unpredictable film industry.
