George R.R. Martin to Produce Animated Hercules Film

Renowned Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin has signed on as producer for an upcoming animated Hercules film, marking another creative venture outside his long-delayed work on The Winds of Winter.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project titled A Dozen Tough Jobs will reinterpret Hercules' legendary 12 labors through the eyes of a 1920s Mississippi farmer. While Martin oversees production, scriptwriting duties fall to Joe R. Lansdale, known for his eccentric novel Bubba Ho-Tep featuring Elvis battling an Egyptian mummy.

"George R.R. Martin possesses unparalleled insight into epic storytelling and sprawling franchises," remarked David Steward II of Lion Forge Entertainment.

"A Dozen Tough Jobs offers more than a simple retelling - it's an innovative reimagining of classical mythology through compelling cultural perspectives, blending historical authenticity with bold new narrative territory."

The much-anticipated sixth installment of Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series remains without a publication date, with over 13 years elapsed since A Dance with Dragons' 2011 release.

While planning to conclude the series with A Dream of Spring, the 76-year-old writer has remained active - consulting on Game of Thrones spin-offs including House of the Dragon, developing franchise lore through fictional histories, and contributing worldbuilding to video games like Elden Ring.

Martin revealed in a September 2024 blog post that television commitments consumed much of his previous year. His April 7, 2025 update dashed hopes of imminent publication: "I'm exhausted from constantly dispelling rumors that any casual remark signals the book's completion. It's not ready, and won't be for some time."