A Dozen Tough Jobs reimagines the Greek myth in 1920s Mississippi, portraying Zeus’ son Hercules as a former sharecropper of enslaved descent. After serving time in prison for a serious crime, he finds himself under the control of the malevolent Boss Eustice, needing to prove his worth through modernized versions of the traditional 12 labors of Hercules. This narrative aligns well with the style of Blue Spirit, known for merging Japanese history with the gritty flair reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino films in Blue Eye Samurai.
Joe R. Lansdale (Bubba Ho-Tep, Hap & Leonard) is penning the script for Lion Forge Entertainment, the studio that produced the Oscar-winning short film Hair Love. A release date has yet to be announced.
“George R.R. Martin understands the power of grand narratives and expansive franchises,” stated David Steward II, founder of Lion Forge, in a press release. “With A Dozen Tough Jobs, we’re reinterpreting this timeless tale through fresh and culturally rich perspectives. This isn’t merely a retelling — it’s an innovative approach that will offer audiences a unique experience, rooted in history while exploring mythology in new directions.”
Martin previously produced a short film adaptation of Waldrop’s story, Night of the Cooters, featuring Vincent D’Onofrio in 2022. In addition to Game of Thrones, he is involved in several other projects at various stages of development, including adaptations of Nnedi Okorafor’s Who Fears Death, Roger Zelazny’s Roadmarks, and his own Wild Cards shared-world anthology series.
