The Simu Liu Sleeping Dogs movie has officially announced its director, with Indonesian filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto set to lead the project. Actor Simu Liu confirmed Tjahjanto’s involvement in the live-action adaptation of the acclaimed video game, marking a major step forward for the upcoming production.
Timo Tjahjanto Joins as Director of Sleeping Dogs Adaptation
Simu Liu revealed earlier this year that he would be working on a film version of Sleeping Dogs, a game recognized for its gripping storyline and martial arts action. The recent confirmation came from Liu on X, where he welcomed Tjahjanto as the director and shared excitement about the project’s progress. Tjahjanto, whose portfolio includes action-packed movies like May the Devil Take You, The Night Comes for Us, The Big 4, and the forthcoming Bob Odenkirk feature Nobody 2, brings a reputation for intense and stylish direction.
ladies and gents, the director of sleeping dogs. https://t.co/lDyDf7UrmJ— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) December 28, 2025
The live-action film is rooted in the plot of the 2012 video game, which is set in Hong Kong and follows Wei Shen, a Hong Kong-American police officer and martial artist as he goes undercover within the Sun On Yee Triad. Simu Liu is expected to portray the protagonist Wei Shen, though updates on shooting schedules and a release date have yet to be disclosed.
Background and Upcoming Projects for Simu Liu
Currently, Simu Liu stars in the series The Copenhagen Test, available on Peacock and JioHotstar in India. This project, created by Thomas Brandon, presents Liu as Alexander Hale, navigating espionage and digital threats in a high-stakes narrative.
series follows first-generation Chinese-American intelligence analyst Alexander Hale, who realizes his brain has been hacked, giving the perpetrators access to everything he sees and hears. Caught between his shadowy agency and the unknown hackers, he must maintain a performance 24/7 to flush out who’s responsible and prove where his allegiance lies.
Looking ahead, Liu will also appear in Avengers: Doomsday, directed by the Russo Brothers and set for theatrical release on December 18, 2026. These projects, along with the Simu Liu Sleeping Dogs movie, signal a diverse and action-oriented slate for the actor.
What This Means for the Sleeping Dogs Franchise
The involvement of Timo Tjahjanto as director signals the potential for a dynamic and high-energy adaptation that remains true to the original game’s spirit. With Simu Liu in the lead and industry anticipation building, more details about the production will be awaited as the project moves forward. The combination of Liu’s on-screen presence and Tjahjanto’s action expertise may pave the way for a major live-action franchise centered on the world of Sleeping Dogs.
ladies and gents, the director of sleeping dogs. https://t.co/lDyDf7UrmJ
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) December 28, 2025
