Seth MacFarlane's Fantasy Series Taps Original Audiobook Voice of Princess Donut for Live-Action Adaptation

The news broke during San Diego Comic Con 2026 at Penguin Random House's "Spotlight on Matt Dinniman" panel, with Hays surprising fans during a conversation with author Matt Dinniman and TV series writer Chris Yost.

Seth MacFarlane's latest project, the live-action adaptation of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, has just tapped the original voice of Princess Donut, Jeff Hays. Hays is not only known for his exceptional narration skills but also for his experience as a producer in the audiobook industry. As the voice of Princess Donut, Jeff Hays will bring to life the beloved character of a tiara-wearing talking cat who belonged to the titular Carl's ex-girlfriend, Beatrice. When an alien attack pushes Carl and the remaining survivors of humanity underground into a televised competition for their freedom, Carl teams up with Donut as his partner in the deadly game show called Dungeon Crawler World. This unexpected collaboration has garnered significant attention in the entertainment industry.

The TV series comes courtesy of Peacock and MacFarlane's Fuzzy Door Productions, with executive producers MacFarlane, Yost, Dinniman (who posted about the news), alongside co-EPs Erica Huggins and Fuzzy Door's Rachel Hargreaves-Heald. Dinniman's work on Dungeon Crawler Carl has already achieved remarkable success, selling over 14 million copies across all formats. On Audible, the book series narrated by Hays has clocked over 140 million listening hours. The series' enormous popularity has led to its live-action adaptation, which promises to deliver an engaging experience for audiences worldwide.

In an exclusive conversation with Bleeding Cool, Matt Dinniman shared his excitement about working with Jeff Hays and the entire team behind the series. "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented team. Jeff Hays has brought Princess Donut to life in a way that surpasses my expectations." He further added, "We're confident that this adaptation will resonate with fans and new viewers alike." With the casting of Jeff Hays as Princess Donut, the series is expected to create a massive buzz in the entertainment industry.

The collaboration between Seth MacFarlane and Matt Dinniman dates back to August 2024, before the recent announcement that the series would be live-action. This collaboration has resulted in a high-quality production that promises to captivate audiences. In his latest work, A Parade of Horribles, Matt Dinniman once again demonstrates his exceptional talent as a writer and storyteller. The book was released on May 12th and received positive reviews from fans and critics alike.

The series' success can be attributed to the creative vision of MacFarlane, Yost, and Dinniman, who have worked tirelessly to bring the world of Dungeon Crawler Carl to life. The series promises to deliver non-stop action, adventure, and suspense, making it a must-watch for fans of science fiction and fantasy genres. With Jeff Hays on board, the series is expected to be an entertaining and thrilling ride for audiences worldwide.