Simu Liu Says Sleeping Dogs Movie Has 'a REAL Path Forward' Amid Square Enix Negotiations

Marvel star Simu Liu has given fans a promising update on the long-awaited Sleeping Dogs movie adaptation, revealing that the project has "a REAL path forward" as talks with game publisher Square Enix continue.

The Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings actor responded to a fan's question about the film's status on X/Twitter, saying that things are progressing well. "We're moving along really well, we have a director, and a production company, and a REAL path forward," he wrote.

Liu also mentioned that the team is currently in the dealmaking process with Square Enix, which he described as a "total fan moment" because he loves the company. He thanked fans for their support, saying it's fueling the project.

The film is based on Square Enix and United Front Games' crime drama, which was inspired by Grand Theft Auto. Liu took over the project after Donnie Yen's version was scrapped in early 2025. He is set to produce and star as the main character, Wei Shen.

Director Timo Tjahjanto, known for Nobody 2 and Killers, was attached to the project last year. Story Kitchen, a studio known for video game adaptations, is also involved. In October 2025, Liu announced that the script draft was completed.

While progress has been slow, the project is still moving forward. Liu and his team now need to finalize the deal with Square Enix to get closer to production.

The official description on Story Kitchen's website describes the film as set in "a vibrant, contemporary, neon-infused neo-noir Hong Kong," following Wei Shen, an undercover cop torn between his duty and his loyalty to the Triads he's infiltrating.

No release date has been announced yet. In the meantime, Liu is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Avengers: Doomsday this December and is still pushing for Shang-Chi 2. For more on the original game, check out IGN's review of the 2012 title, which scored an 8.5/10.