George R.R. Martin, renowned for his work on Game of Thrones, has taken on a new role as a producer for an upcoming animated film titled A Dozen Tough Jobs. This film, inspired by the classic Greek tale of Hercules' 12 labors, will be reimagined through the eyes of a farmer in 1920s Mississippi, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
While Martin will contribute as a producer, the screenplay will be penned by Joe R. Lansdale, known for his unique novel Bubba Ho-Tep, which features Elvis Presley battling an Egyptian mummy. David Steward II, head of Lion Forge Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm about Martin's involvement, highlighting his understanding of epic narratives and expansive franchises. He emphasized that A Dozen Tough Jobs aims to offer a groundbreaking perspective on a timeless legend, blending historical grounding with innovative mythic storytelling.
Despite this new project, fans of Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series continue to await The Winds of Winter, the next installment following A Dance with Dragons, released in July 2011. Martin has plans for a subsequent book, A Dream of Spring, to conclude the series. However, The Winds of Winter remains without a confirmed release date, and in a recent blog post dated April 7, 2025, Martin expressed frustration over persistent rumors about the book's imminent release, firmly stating that it is not forthcoming.
In the meantime, Martin has remained active, contributing to various Game of Thrones spin-offs, including the acclaimed House of the Dragon, and writing fictional historical novels set in the series' universe. He has also ventured into video game storytelling, notably crafting the backstory for Elden Ring.
As fans continue to speculate on when The Winds of Winter might be released, Martin's involvement in diverse projects like the animated Hercules film showcases his ongoing commitment to storytelling across different mediums.
Game of Thrones writer George R.R. Martin. Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images.
