A New Legal Drama: Matt Dinniman Teases Future After Dungeon Crawler Carl

With the release of A Parade of Horribles, the latest installment in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, author Matt Dinniman has offered fans a fascinating glimpse into his creative future. To celebrate the new book and its accompanying audiobook, Dinniman joined narrator Jeff Hays to rank character voices, revealing that his next project might revolve around a specific fan-favorite character.

During their discussion, Dinniman identified Quasar, the fast-talking alien lawyer introduced in the fifth book, The Butcher’s Masquerade, as his overall favorite character in the series. This affection for the legal-minded extraterrestrial suggests a potential pivot for the author’s next major work.

The Spark for a Sci-Fi Legal Thriller

Dinniman’s passion for Quasar is evident in his desire to explore the character’s world further. He explicitly stated that his goal after concluding the Carl series is to write a legal drama involving aliens.

"My goal in life after I'm done with the Carl series is to one day write some sort of legal drama; something that involves aliens," Dinniman explained.

The character's distinct voice was a collaborative effort. Dinniman originally instructed Hays to perform the role "like the quintessential Better Call Saul, but with maybe a New York sort of accent." Hays successfully nailed the performance, creating a memorable dynamic that has clearly inspired Dinniman’s post-DCC ambitions.

What Lies Ahead for the Dungeon Crawler Carl Universe?

While the idea of a Quasar-centric spinoff is compelling, the immediate future of the franchise remains focused on its current trajectory. Dinniman has previously stated plans to wrap up the main series at 10 books total. However, the success of the upcoming Dungeon Crawler Carl TV adaptation on Peacock could potentially extend his involvement in the franchise.

When asked about other potential spinoffs, Dinniman remained cautious, noting that while a Crocodile graphic novel spin-off is scheduled for March 2027, no other projects are currently confirmed. He indicated that the success of Crocodile will help determine the future direction of related media.

How to Dive Into the Series Now

For fans eager to experience the world that inspired these legal dramas, A Parade of Horribles is now available across multiple formats:

  • Digital: Kindle
  • Audio: Audible (featuring Jeff Hays)
  • Physical: Hardcover edition

Additionally, the franchise continues to expand into tabletop gaming, with a Dungeon Crawler Carl tabletop RPG that has already raised significant funding from the community. These projects ensure that there are plenty of ways to engage with the series while waiting for Dinniman’s next creative chapter.