Game of Thrones writer George R.R. Martin has taken on a new role as a producer for an upcoming animated movie titled A Dozen Tough Jobs. This film will reimagine the classic Greek myth of Hercules' 12 labors, presenting the tale through the eyes of a farmer in 1920s Mississippi. While Martin will contribute as a producer, the screenplay will be penned by Joe R. Lansdale, known for his unique work Bubba Ho-Tep, which featured an unconventional storyline involving Elvis and 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."
Meanwhile, fans eagerly awaiting The Winds of Winter, the next installment in Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, have been left without a release date. It has been nearly 14 years since the release of A Dance with Dragons in July 2011. Martin plans to follow The Winds of Winter with A Dream of Spring, completing the saga, though the TV adaptation of Game of Thrones did not wait for these books and concluded with mixed reviews.
In addition to his work on A Dozen Tough Jobs, Martin has been involved in various other projects. These include several Game of Thrones TV spin-offs, such as the acclaimed House of the Dragon, and historical novels set within the franchise's universe. He has also contributed to the video game Elden Ring, writing its backstory.
Martin has acknowledged that his time has been consumed by television projects, impacting his progress on The Winds of Winter. In a blog post dated September 2024, he mentioned that "television projects ate up most of the first half" of the previous year, hindering his writing. More recently, in an April 7, 2025 post, Martin 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."
Game of Thrones writer George R.R. Martin. Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images.
