The upcoming live-action adaptation of Sleeping Dogs has found its director. As of now, the film is set to star Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu as Wei Shen with a script complete.
Released in 2012, Sleeping Dogs has become quite the cult classic. Following an undercover Hong Kong police officer, players explore an open world with parkour abilities and martial arts. Despite earning positive reviews, low sales led to the series being dead in the water.
However, Hollywood has gotten its hands on it, now reinvigorated by MCU’s Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu, who’ll star as protagonist Wei Shen. A script was revealed to be complete for the project earlier in the year, but it was unknown where it would lead. Now, an up-and-coming action film director is about to take on the long-awaited adaptation.
Timo Tjahjanto to Direct Sleeping Dogs, Starring MCU’s Simu Liu
In a post from Simu Liu on Twitter, it has been confirmed that Timo Tjahjanto will direct Sleeping Dogs. The Indonesian director has done a few films but is just starting to get onto bigger projects. His latest movie, Nobody 2, was a worthy follow-up to the 2021 Bob Odenkirk action flick. He is also attached to direct the sequel to the Jason Statham-led project, The Beekeeper, and a possible Hollywood sequel to Train to Busan.
Interestingly enough, Timo Tjahjanto has been an advocate for Sleeping Dogs to hit the big screens for a while. In response to Simu Liu’s post on the game’s lack of movement anywhere, the director explains its biggest problem was a lack of understanding from executives. When asked about directing the film adaptation, he sent a smiling gif, which has aged incredibly well given today’s news.
The film has yet to acquire a studio or a release date. Still, with a director, writer, script, and Marvel actor at the forefront, it may not be long before one is revealed. Sleeping Dogs has been a work-in-progress in Hollywood, as previous attempts didn’t pan out. Legendary action star Donnie Yen (Rogue One, John Wick: Chapter 4), was attached to play Wei Shen, but it never came around. Hopefully, the film will see the light of day and Sleeping Dogs can get the love it deserves.
What do you think of the director of Sleeping Dogs? Think Timo Tjahjanto is a good pick? Seen any of his films? Do you think Sleeping Dogs will make for a good Hollywood film? Leave a comment below and on the official Insider Gaming Discord!
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Boo! I don’t want Simu to grifter near it. Race hustler who knows nothing about China and defended PDF’s. Can I get a sequel a good one and maybe a remake from Saber Interactive. No woke stuff just gritty Hong Kong. Game was ahead of it’s time Triad Wars. Tell Kai Cenat and Fanum play that.