Simu Liu Confirms First Draft of ‘Sleeping Dogs’ Movie Script is Complete, Igniting High-Octane Hopes for the Cult Classic Adaptation

HONG KONG MOVIE NEWS: Fans of the critically-acclaimed 2012 open-world action-adventure game, Sleeping Dogs, have reason to celebrate and invest in the buzz, as a major step forward has been confirmed for the long-gestating film adaptation. Marvel Cinematic Universe star Simu Liu, who is attached to produce and star as the protagonist Wei Shen, has announced that the first draft of the movie script is officially complete. This significant milestone breathes new life into a project that had been stuck in development hell for almost a decade, reinforcing the growing trend of high-CPC (Cost-Per-Click) video game IP adaptations in Hollywood.

The Road to the Big Screen: A Tumultuous Development History

The journey to translate the gritty, martial arts-infused Hong Kong crime drama to the silver screen has been anything but smooth. The original film adaptation was announced back in 2017, with action cinema legend Donnie Yen set to take the lead. However, after years of silence and stalled progress, Yen regrettably confirmed the project’s cancellation earlier this year, citing the unfortunate nature of Hollywood development cycles despite his personal investment of time and money.

The project’s fate seemed sealed until Simu Liu, best known for his role as Shang-Chi, stepped in. Liu’s passionate advocacy for the beloved Square Enix title—which follows undercover police officer Wei Shen as he infiltrates the powerful Sun On Yee Triad organization—immediately reignited fan enthusiasm and garnered significant media attention across the entertainment news landscape. His recent social media post, which featured a redacted image of the script’s cover page and a celebratory photo of his own ‘sleeping dog,’ served as the official confirmation of the script’s completion. The writer of the script has since been identified as Tze Chun, a seasoned writer known for his work on shows like Gotham.

Liu’s Push Against Studio Skepticism and the Value of IP

Despite the positive momentum, Liu’s comments hint at the continuous battle to secure a green light for production, especially regarding the budget required for a Triple-A, high-production-value action film. In a candid response to a fan’s query about working with the IP holder, Square Enix, Liu noted:

• “They’re absolutely great — it’s the studios that don’t seem to understand how important this IP is, BUT we will get them there.”

This statement underscores a recurring challenge in adapting cult classic video games: convincing major Hollywood studios of the substantial long-term investment and inherent fan base value of the intellectual property. The original Sleeping Dogs game was celebrated for its immersive Hong Kong setting, compelling narrative, and brutal, fluid martial arts combat system—elements that promise a high-octane theatrical experience. The market for successful video game movies is currently experiencing a boom, making the potential box office and streaming returns on a Sleeping Dogs adaptation a prime candidate for a massive revenue stream for the studios.

What a Completed Script Means for Production Timeline and Core Story

The completion of a first draft script is the fundamental building block that moves a film from conceptual development into the crucial pre-production phases.

• Casting and Directing: While Liu is set to star as Wei Shen, the finished script allows producers Story Kitchen and Hill District Media to finalize casting for pivotal roles, such as Shen’s handlers and key Triad figures. It also enables them to approach directors capable of handling the delicate balance of undercover drama and intense Wuxia-style action sequences, a core appeal of the game.
• Budgeting and Location Scouting: A finalized script is necessary for creating a detailed production budget, essential for convincing studios to fund the project. Given the game’s authentic Hong Kong setting, substantial resources will be needed for on-location filming or creating convincing sets that capture the city’s neon-drenched atmosphere and bustling street life, all critical for a high-search volume keyword film like this.
• Story Fidelity: While no plot details have been revealed, it is highly anticipated that the film will maintain the game’s core premise: an undercover cop straddling the line between his police duty and the loyalty he gains within the Triads. The moral gray areas and explosive undercover tension are key selling points for both the film and for generating massive organic traffic from gaming communities and action movie enthusiasts.

This latest update serves as a powerful signal to the global investment community and to fans that the project is not only alive but is now firmly on a path toward production. The successful adaptation of Sleeping Dogs could solidify Simu Liu’s status not just as an on-screen hero, but as a major producer capable of championing overlooked IP. As the film progresses, all eyes will be on the casting, directorial choices, and the studio willingness to fully back this lucrative video game franchise and its potential for a new cinematic universe. The anticipation for this high-value IP remains exceptionally high, positioning the Sleeping Dogs movie as one of the most exciting developments in the action-game adaptation space.

Source of Information: News reports from October 2025 citing Simu Liu’s social media announcement and subsequent reports from industry outlets.