Game of Thrones writer George R.R. Martin has embarked on a new venture, joining the production team for an upcoming animated Hercules movie titled A Dozen Tough Jobs. This project, announced by The Hollywood Reporter, will reimagine the classic Greek tale of Hercules' 12 labors, set against the backdrop of 1920s Mississippi, told from the perspective of a local farmer.
Martin will serve as a producer on the film, but he won't be penning the script. That task falls to Joe R. Lansdale, known for his unique storytelling in novels like Bubba Ho-Tep, where Elvis battles an Egyptian mummy. David Steward II, head of Lion Forge Entertainment, praised Martin's involvement, saying, "If anyone understands the power of epic stories and expansive franchises, it's George R.R. Martin." He added that A Dozen Tough Jobs aims to offer a fresh, culturally rich perspective on a timeless legend, pushing myth into new, uncharted territories.
Meanwhile, fans eagerly awaiting the next installment in Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, The Winds of Winter, will have to continue their wait. It has been nearly 14 years since the last book, A Dance with Dragons, was released in July 2011. Martin has plans for The Winds of Winter to be followed by A Dream of Spring, completing the saga. However, the Game of Thrones TV series did not wait for these books, ending with mixed results.
Despite the delay in his main series, Martin remains active in other projects. He has contributed to various Game of Thrones TV spin-offs, including the successful House of the Dragon, and has written fictional historical novels set in the franchise's world. Additionally, Martin has ventured into video games, crafting backstory for Elden Ring.
In a recent blog post dated April 7, 2025, Martin expressed frustration over constant speculation about The Winds of Winter's release, stating, "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 also mentioned that television projects consumed much of his time in the first half of the previous year, further delaying his work on the novel.
Game of Thrones writer George R.R. Martin. Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images.
