George R.R. Martin’s new short film ‘The Ugly Chickens’ to debut at Hollyshorts

A new venture from the ‘Game of Thrones’ creator

George R.R. Martin, the mastermind behind the epic fantasy series “Game of Thrones,” is set to unveil his latest project, a short film titled “The Ugly Chickens”, at the Hollyshorts Film Festival. This film marks a departure from the sprawling landscapes of Westeros, diving instead into a unique narrative inspired by the works of science fiction author Howard Waldrop.

A tribute to a friend and a legend

The short film stars Felicia Day of “Supernatural” fame and is based on Waldrop’s Nebula Award-winning story. Waldrop, a close friend of Martin, passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of imaginative and thought-provoking tales. Martin, in a heartfelt statement, shared, “Howard saw a rough cut of [‘The Ugly Chickens’] before he died. He liked it, which pleases me no end. I only wish we had been able to screen the final cut for him.”

A stellar cast and crew

Joining Felicia Day in this intriguing short are Jennifer Dale (“Coroner”), Natalie Charles (“Suits”), and Mag Ruffman (“Alias Grace”). The film was shot on location in Toronto, capturing the essence of Waldrop’s story with a talented ensemble cast.

The plot thickens

The synopsis of “The Ugly Chickens” reads: “Upon learning that the supposedly extinct dodo bird might still exist, ornithology professor Paula Linberl sets out on a cross-country expedition to unravel the mystery.” This premise promises a blend of adventure and mystery, a hallmark of Waldrop’s storytelling.

Behind the scenes

Mark Raso, known for “Copenhagen,” directs the film from a screenplay by Michael Cassutt (“Twilight Zone”). The production is a collaborative effort, with Mauro Mueller and Philippe Woodtli producing for Fidelio Films alongside Martin’s company KVK and producers Elias Gallegos and Lenore Gallegos. Salaud Morisset is handling international sales, ensuring that this unique story reaches a global audience.

Premiere details

“The Ugly Chickens” is set to premiere on the festival’s opening night, August 8. This debut is highly anticipated, not just by fans of Martin and Waldrop, but by cinema enthusiasts eager to see a fresh narrative brought to life by a seasoned storyteller.

Martin’s busy schedule

George R.R. Martin has been juggling multiple projects. In addition to adapting Waldrop’s short stories, he is also working on his own adaptation of “Fire & Blood,” which has been brought to the screen as “House of the Dragon,” starring Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy. Fans are also eagerly awaiting the completion of his long-awaited “A Song of Fire and Ice” series.

Watch the trailer

For those eager to get a glimpse of this intriguing short film, check out the trailer for The Ugly Chickens.

Final thoughts

“The Ugly Chickens” represents a fascinating blend of science fiction and adventure, brought to life by a talented cast and crew. George R.R. Martin’s dedication to honoring his friend’s legacy while continuing to create compelling narratives is a testament to his passion for storytelling. As the film makes its debut, it promises to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression, much like the works of Waldrop and Martin himself.