As “Dungeon Crawler Carl” Becomes a Show, Author Matt Dinneman Says ‘My No. 1 Priority Is the Books’

Matt Dinniman, the author behind the popular “Dungeon Crawler Carl” series, took to the stage recently at New York Comic Con to discuss the impending adaptation of his work for Peacock. As anticipation grows among fans, Dinniman underscored his commitment to the integrity of the source material, asserting that the books will remain his foremost concern throughout the adaptation process.

Dinniman, 52, expressed confidence in the creative direction of the television series during the event. “My number one priority is and always will be the books themselves, no matter what IPs are here,” he stated firmly, emphasising that the essence of his writings would serve as the backbone for the upcoming show. This commitment to authenticity is reassuring for the dedicated readership who have followed the series since its inception in 2020.

The television adaptation, which is set to star voice actor Jeff Hays, is based on Dinniman’s unique blend of science fiction and role-playing game narratives. The story revolves around Carl, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who confronts a hostile environment following an alien invasion of Earth. In the midst of this chaos, he must navigate the brutal challenges of an alien-run game show, accompanied by his ex-girlfriend’s articulate cat, Princess Donut.

Hays, who is already well-known for his narration of the series on Audible, is the first cast member officially linked to the project. The series has generated substantial interest, not just for its narrative but also for its intricate world-building, which fans have passionately scrutinised. Filming is slated to commence in 2027, giving the production team ample time to refine the adaptation.

At New York Comic Con, Kelsey Balance, the chief of Universal Global Television’s scripted series, provided insights into the progress of the adaptation. She revealed that initial drafts and outlines for the series are being developed, and excitement is building among the team. “We are starting to see drafts and outlines, and we’ve gotten the whole series pitch, which is really exciting, but it’s continued to evolve,” she said to the attentive audience.

Dinniman acknowledged the high level of diligence exhibited by his fanbase, particularly regarding details that reflect the story accurately. He shared anecdotes illustrating how fans meticulously point out elements that should align with the original narrative, which he finds both amusing and endearing. “They’ll look at the t-shirts now and they’ll say, ‘No, he needs the toe ring here,’ and that sort of thing,” Dinniman recounted.

During the panel, he also candidly discussed his personal struggles with imposter syndrome, which remains a challenge even amidst his success. Dinniman revealed that he often compares himself to other authors on the New York Times bestseller list and feels inadequate by comparison. “It grips you, like I keep thinking people are going to wake up one day and realise how much of a hack I am,” he confessed, reflecting on the insecurity that can accompany artistic achievement.

Despite these feelings, Dinniman expressed an unusual sense of acceptance towards the critical feedback he receives. As the series transitions to the screen, he appears to be warming to the idea that not all reviews will be favourable. “I’ve found myself embracing the negative reviews,” he remarked, suggesting a maturation in his perspective on literary criticism.

As fans eagerly anticipate the adaptation, Dinniman’s dedication to preserving the spirit of “Dungeon Crawler Carl” resonates with the audience. His openness about his creative journey, combined with his commitment to the original work, fosters excitement around what promises to be a captivating extension of the series. As the adaptation moves forward, it seems that both Dinniman and his audience are embarking on a journey that honours the heart of the story while exploring new creative avenues.