George R.R. Martin Produces Animated Hercules Film, Delays Winds of Winter

Renowned *Game of Thrones* author George R.R. Martin has announced his involvement in a new animated film titled *A Dozen Tough Jobs*, an innovative retelling of the classic Hercules story set against the backdrop of 1920s Mississippi. This latest project marks another creative endeavor for Martin, who will serve as producer—though he won’t be penning the script himself.

The screenplay will be handled by Joe R. Lansdale, best known for his wildly imaginative novel *Bubba Ho-Tep*, which tells the story of Elvis battling an Egyptian mummy. The film, under the working title *A Dozen Tough Jobs*, reimagines the mythological Twelve Labors of Hercules through a culturally rich and historically grounded lens, offering a fresh perspective on the ancient legend.

“If anyone understands the power of epic stories and expansive franchises, it's George R.R. Martin,” said David Steward II, CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment. “With *A Dozen Tough Jobs*, we're reimagining a timeless legend through fresh, culturally rich lenses. This isn't just a retelling—it’s a groundbreaking take unlike anything audiences have seen before.”

Meanwhile, fans of Martin’s iconic fantasy saga *A Song of Ice and Fire* continue to wait patiently for *The Winds of Winter*, the long-awaited sixth installment. It has now been over 14 years since the previous book, *A Dance with Dragons*, was released in July 2011. Despite repeated delays, Martin remains committed to completing the series, followed by *A Dream of Spring*, the final volume.

Martin has remained active in other media, contributing creatively to various *Game of Thrones* spin-offs including the critically acclaimed *House of the Dragon*. He has also worked on fictional historical novels within the Westeros universe and even contributed lore to FromSoftware’s blockbuster title *Elden Ring*.

In a blog post dated April 7, 2025, Martin reiterated that *The Winds of Winter* is not close to completion. “I’m so tired of having to issue denials every time some offhand comment of mine, most having nothing to do with WINDS, somehow convinces half the internet that the book is imminent. It’s not. No,” he wrote.

As development continues on *A Dozen Tough Jobs*, fans of both mythology and genre storytelling will be watching closely to see how Martin and his collaborators bring this bold new vision to life.