Simu Liu says the Sleeping Dogs movie has “a REAL path forward,” per the original report. The Marvel star offered the update while confirming that discussions with game publisher Square Enix are still active.
The open-world action game Sleeping Dogs, released in 2012, follows undercover cop Wei Shen as he infiltrates the Hong Kong Triads. Liu has been vocal about wanting to bring that story to film, and he has been pushing for the adaptation for years.
A Long-Stalled Adaptation Gets a Signal
Movie adaptations of games often stall in development hell, but Liu’s comment suggests that the Sleeping Dogs project is not dead. He first revealed his interest in the role back in 2017, when he was not yet a household name. Since then, his profile has risen sharply, making him a more bankable lead.
Square Enix has historically been selective about licensing its properties, as seen in a Analysis on Square Enix Annual Report 2014. That caution may explain why the movie has taken so long to move forward.
Dealmaking with Square Enix
According to the source, Liu says the movie now has “a REAL path forward” because dealmaking with Square Enix is ongoing. The publisher owns the Sleeping Dogs IP after buying Eidos Interactive back in 2009. Getting a greenlight would require aligning the studio, producers, and the rights holder.
The project has also benefited from the broader wave of successful game-to-film adaptations, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Uncharted, and The Last of Us. Sleeping Dogs was often mentioned as one of the Game to Movie Adaptation That Would Be Cool To See.
Why This Matters for Sleeping Dogs Fans
Fans of the game have waited years for any sign of life from a movie. The game itself was a cult hit, praised for its hand-to-hand combat and authentic Hong Kong setting. A movie could reignite interest in the franchise, though no new game has been announced.
Liu’s update is not a formal announcement, but it is the clearest signal yet that the people involved still want to make the film. For now, the next step is watching whether Square Enix and the producers can close a deal.
GamerHeadlines Takeaway
Simu Liu’s comment gives the Sleeping Dogs movie its first real momentum in years. Deal terms with Square Enix will determine whether the adaptation finally gets made. Keep an eye on future updates from Liu or the publisher.
