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

George R.R. Martin, renowned for his epic "Game of Thrones" series, has taken on a new role as a producer for an upcoming animated movie titled "A Dozen Tough Jobs." This project, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, will offer a unique retelling of the classic Greek myth of Hercules' 12 labors, but with a twist: it will be narrated from the perspective of a farmer set in 1920s Mississippi.

While Martin will lend his expertise as a producer, the screenplay duties will be handled by Joe R. Lansdale, known for his quirky novel "Bubba Ho-Tep," which features an unconventional plot involving Elvis and an Egyptian Mummy. David Steward II, head of Lion Forge Entertainment, praised Martin's involvement, highlighting his understanding of epic storytelling and expansive franchises. Steward emphasized that "A Dozen Tough Jobs" aims to reimagine the timeless legend through culturally rich lenses, offering a groundbreaking take on the myth.

Despite this exciting new venture, fans of Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series continue to await the next installment, "The Winds of Winter." It has been nearly 14 years since the release of "A Dance with Dragons" in July 2011, and there is still no confirmed release date for "The Winds of Winter." Martin has plans to follow it with "A Dream of Spring" to conclude the series, a narrative arc that the "Game of Thrones" TV show did not wait for, resulting in a mixed reception.

In the meantime, Martin has remained active in various projects. He has contributed to multiple "Game of Thrones" TV spin-offs, including the acclaimed "House of the Dragon," and has delved into historical novels set within the franchise's universe. Additionally, Martin has explored the realm of video games, crafting the backstory for the critically acclaimed "Elden Ring."

However, Martin's focus on other projects has delayed his work on "The Winds of Winter." In a blog post dated September 2024, he admitted that television projects consumed much of the previous year, hindering his progress on the novel. More recently, in an April 7, 2025, post, Martin expressed frustration over persistent rumors about the book's imminent release, firmly stating that "The Winds of Winter" is not close to completion.

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