The new year has brought exciting announcements for video game fans, with several IPs set to make their way to film and theater. However, one highly anticipated project that many were eager to see on the big screen has unfortunately been canceled.
Video game adaptations have long sparked excitement among fans, who often speculate about how these stories might translate to the screen. The immersive nature of video games can create a deeper connection to characters and narratives. Although early live-action adaptations were notorious for their poor quality and failure to authentically represent their beloved worlds, advancements in technology and a growing interest in the genre have opened the door for more successful projects. This has led to a surge of new adaptations, such as the announcement of Sleeping Dogs. Recently, the competition has heated up, with platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Amazon Prime vying to take the lead in this booming genre, which is seeing a significant increase in adaptations compared to original content.
Fans were buzzing with excitement over the upcoming adaptation of Sleeping Dogs, a beloved open-world video game series that was sadly cut short due to Square Enix’s unmet sales expectations. Many were hopeful to see this franchise revived in a new format, but it seems that won’t be happening. In a recent interview with Polygon, renowned martial artist and filmmaker Donnie Yen shared that his plans for a Sleeping Dogs adaptation have unfortunately fallen through. “I dedicated a lot of time and effort to work with these producers, and I even put some of my own money into securing the drafts and rights,” Yen explained. “I waited for years. Years. I really wanted to bring this to life. I have so many ideas in my head, but unfortunately… well, you know how Hollywood operates, right? I invested so many years into this, and it’s just disappointing.”
Projects often get canceled, but when rumors surfaced that the Sleeping Dogs Movie was set to start filming, many fans believed it would eventually hit theaters. Given the significant investment from Yen and others, it’s particularly disappointing that the film won’t reach audiences. While Yen has moved on, expressing optimism for future endeavors, fans of his work may struggle to let go of this project. Since the announcement in 2017, numerous video game adaptations—some less deserving—have come and gone. The absence of updates since the 2018 discussions should have raised concerns, yet there have been successful comebacks after longer periods of silence. With the genre evolving significantly since the 2010s, the cancellation of such a long-anticipated project feels especially disheartening.
Although Sleeping Dogs isn’t set to hit theaters in the near future, fans of video game adaptations can still hold their heads high. With a lineup of exciting video game adaptations slated for release in 2025, there are bound to be even more announcements throughout the year, showcasing a variety of intriguing games from different genres and developers. While there’s a possibility that Yen’s project might be revived in this new wave of productions, it’s more likely that the industry will let Sleeping Dogs rest.