Lion Forge and Game of Thrones' George R.R. Martin to adapt "A Dozen Tough Jobs"

Lion Forge Entertainment is joining forces with George R. R. Martin ("Game of Thrones", "House of the Dragon") to adapt Howard Waldrop’s renowned novella "A Dozen Tough Jobs" into an adult animated feature film that will be produced by George R.R. Martin, Lion Forge Entertainment CEO and founder David Steward II, and Lion Forge President and Chief Creative Officer Stephanie Sperber.

“If anyone understands the power of epic stories and expansive franchises, it’s George R.R. Martin,” said David Steward II. “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.”

The film transports the mythic tale to 1920s Mississippi, where Hercules is re-envisioned as a former sharecropper fighting to regain his freedom. Award-winning author Joe R. Lansdale ("Bubba Ho-Tep") is writing the screenplay. French animation studio Blue Spirit will provide animation services for the film under Lion Forge Animation.

Set in a world filled with good ol’ boys, southern belles, children of ex-slaves, chain gangs, and rum-runners, "A Dozen Tough Jobs" offers an unexpected backdrop for this gothic, magical-realist re-telling of the Hercules hero’s journey.

“We are looking forward to working with Blue Spirit, one of the best animation houses working in the field today,” said Sperber. “Their elevated style and craft will bring the world of 1920’s deep South to life in a way that will make audiences sit up and take notice, just as they did with 'Blue Eye Samurai'.”

"Olivier and I are thrilled to bring our extensive service work experience on award winning adult animation to 'A Dozen Tough Jobs', an ambitious groundbreaking feature. We relish the opportunity to join forces with Lion Forge and George R.R. Martin and look forward to forging a unique and invincible partnership,” said Eleanor Coleman, International Presales and Business Development at Blue Spirit Studios."