George R.R. Martin Joins Hercules Animated Film as Producer; Winds of Winter Delayed?

Game of Thrones writer George R.R. Martin has ventured into a new project, joining the production of an upcoming animated Hercules movie titled A Dozen Tough Jobs. This film, which will adapt the classic Greek tale of Hercules' 12 labors, is set to be viewed through the unique lens of a farmer in 1920s Mississippi. Martin will serve as a producer, while the scriptwriting duties are assigned to Joe R. Lansdale, known for his novel Bubba Ho-Tep.

David Steward II, the head of Lion Forge Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm about Martin's involvement, stating, "If anyone understands the power of epic stories and expansive franchises, it's George R.R. Martin. 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, grounded in history but pushing myth into uncharted territory."

While fans eagerly await the next installment in Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, The Winds of Winter, the release date remains elusive. It has been nearly 14 years since the last book, A Dance with Dragons, was published in July 2011. Martin has plans to follow The Winds of Winter with A Dream of Spring to complete the series, which the Game of Thrones TV adaptation did not wait for, resulting in mixed reception.

In the meantime, Martin has been actively involved in various other projects. He has contributed to several Game of Thrones TV spin-offs, including the successful House of the Dragon, and has delved into the world of video games by writing backstory for Elden Ring.

Despite his busy schedule, Martin has expressed frustration about the constant speculation regarding The Winds of Winter. In a blog post dated April 7, 2025, he clarified that the book is not imminent, emphasizing that his involvement in television projects has significantly impacted his writing progress.

Game of Thrones writer George R.R. Martin. Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images.