After years of uncertainty, the Sleeping Dogs movie adaptation appears to be back in motion. Marvel star Simu Liu has confirmed that the first draft of the film’s script is now complete, reigniting hopes for fans of the cult-classic open-world game.

Originally released in 2012 by United Front Games and published by Square Enix, Sleeping Dogs follows undercover cop Wei Shen as he infiltrates the Triads in a gritty, cinematic take on Hong Kong’s underworld. The game was praised for its hand-to-hand combat, authentic atmosphere, and compelling storytelling — all elements that fans have long hoped would transition well to film.

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Liu revealed the milestone while humorously sharing a photo of his real “sleepy dog.” He expressed enthusiasm for the project, though he also noted that the studios involved need to better understand the importance of the IP. Still, Liu’s continued involvement signals optimism for a production that has faced multiple setbacks over the years.

The Sleeping Dogs movie was first announced back in 2017 with Donnie Yen originally attached to star, but the project stalled in development. Liu’s participation and the completion of a script draft suggest a fresh start — and perhaps a chance to bring the high-octane, Hong Kong–set crime drama to life on the big screen.

With the script now in hand, the next steps likely include revisions and pre-production discussions. While no director, release window, or studio partner has been confirmed, Liu’s announcement marks the most concrete progress the adaptation has seen in years.

If done right, Sleeping Dogs could join the growing list of successful video game adaptations — blending cinematic action with the heart and style that made the original game a fan favorite.