George R.R. Martin Joins Hercules Animated Film as Producer, Delaying Winds of Winter?

George R.R. Martin, the renowned writer behind the epic series Game of Thrones, has ventured into new territory by joining the production team of an upcoming animated film titled A Dozen Tough Jobs. This project, announced by The Hollywood Reporter, aims to reimagine the classic Greek myth of Hercules' 12 labors, but with a unique twist. The story will be told from the perspective of a farmer in 1920s Mississippi, offering a fresh and culturally rich narrative.

While Martin will serve as a producer on the film, the scriptwriting duties will be handled by Joe R. Lansdale, known for his unconventional 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, 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."

Despite this exciting new project, 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 Martin has confirmed that the book is not imminent. In a recent blog post dated April 7, 2025, he expressed frustration over constant speculation about the book'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."

Martin has been busy with various other projects, including several Game of Thrones TV spin-offs, such as the successful House of the Dragon, and contributing to the world of video games by writing backstory for Elden Ring. He also plans to follow The Winds of Winter with A Dream of Spring to conclude the series, a conclusion that the TV adaptation of Game of Thrones did not wait for.

In September 2024, Martin admitted that his television projects consumed much of the first half of the previous year, further delaying his work on The Winds of Winter. As fans eagerly await any news on the book's progress, Martin's involvement in A Dozen Tough Jobs showcases his continued influence and versatility in the world of storytelling.

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