Live-Action Adaptation of "Dungeon Crawler Carl" in Development at Peacock

Peacock has officially announced the development of a live-action adaptation of the "Dungeon Crawler Carl" book series, created by Matt Dinniman. The project was initially acquired by Universal International Studios in early 2025, prior to securing a streaming platform. The series will be written and executive produced by Chris Yost, known for his work on "Thor: Ragnarok" and "Cowboy Bebop," with Seth MacFarlane serving as an executive producer under his Fuzzy Door banner. Other executive producers include Dinniman and Erica Huggins, with Rachel Hargreaves-Heald overseeing production for Fuzzy Door.

The Wrap

The narrative of "Dungeon Crawler Carl" unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world where an alien invasion has decimated humanity. Survivors are compelled to participate in a sadistic intergalactic game show, where they must navigate perilous challenges alongside a self-centered talking cat named Princess Donut the Queen Anne Chonk. The logline emphasizes the absurdity of the situation: "Survival is optional. Entertainment is not." The series aims to blend elements of fantasy and dark humor as Coast Guard veteran Carl and Princess Donut confront monsters, aliens, and other survivors in their quest for survival.

Variety Magazine

"Dungeon Crawler Carl" began as a self-published series by Dinniman on the online platform Royal Road. The series gained significant popularity, leading to its acquisition by Ace Books in 2024 for subsequent sequels. As of December 2025, the series has sold approximately six million copies and has been translated into around 20 languages. Dinniman has plans for a total of ten books in the series, with the eighth installment scheduled for release on May 12, 2026.

The Wrap

Dinniman has expressed confidence in the adaptation, stating, “We’re not going to do it if it’s gonna look like absolute shit,” indicating that CGI testing will be conducted to ensure quality, particularly for the character of Princess Donut. He highlighted the expertise of Fuzzy Door, referencing their successful projects like "Ted" and "The Orville," as a positive indicator for the adaptation's potential.

Variety Magazine

While there has been enthusiasm surrounding the adaptation, some fans have expressed concerns regarding the transition from a literary to a live-action format. Dinniman addressed these worries, affirming his belief in MacFarlane's capability to faithfully bring the series to life.

Variety Magazine

As the project progresses, further developments regarding casting and production timelines are anticipated. The success of the adaptation will likely hinge on its visual execution and fidelity to the source material, as indicated by both Dinniman and industry observers.

Variety Magazine