Martin's Hercules Animation Stalls Winds of Winter

George R.R. Martin, the acclaimed author of Game of Thrones, has signed on as a producer for an upcoming animated Hercules film—another creative diversion from his long-delayed work on The Winds of Winter.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Martin will oversee the adaptation titled A Dozen Tough Jobs, which reimagines Hercules' legendary 12 labors through the eyes of a 1920s Mississippi farmer.

While Martin serves as producer, screenwriting duties fall to Joe R. Lansdale, best known for his cult novel Bubba Ho-Tep featuring Elvis Presley battling an Egyptian mummy.

"Few understand epic storytelling and world-building like George R.R. Martin," said David Steward II, CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment.

"A Dozen Tough Jobs reinvents mythology with unprecedented cultural depth. This isn't merely a retelling—it's a revolutionary interpretation that merges historical authenticity with bold narrative innovation."

The Winds of Winter, the next installment in Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire saga, remains undated—nearly 14 years after A Dance with Dragons released in July 2011.

At 76, Martin intends to complete the series with A Dream of Spring—a conclusion the Game of Thrones TV adaptation forged ahead without, yielding divisive results.

Between other commitments, Martin has consulted on multiple Game of Thrones spinoffs including House of the Dragon, authored franchise lore books, and contributed world-building for Elden Ring.

Martin revealed in September 2024 that TV projects consumed most of his time last year, delaying his writing progress. As recently as April 2025, he clarified: "I'm exhausted refuting baseless rumors—WINDS isn't coming soon. Stop reading into unrelated comments."