Convention - SDCC 2025 : Dungeon Crawler Carl and Project Hail Mary Take Over with Audible’s Immersive Events

By Mulder, 10 july 2025

As San Diego Comic-Con 2025 approaches, all signs point to Audible making one of the weekend’s biggest splashes—not with a superhero crossover or a surprise trailer drop, but with a celebration of something quieter, deeper, and increasingly essential in fan culture: the audiobook. On Saturday, July 26, Audible will roll out an ambitious lineup focused on two of its most beloved and bestselling audio experiences, Dungeon Crawler Carl and Project Hail Mary. These two distinct yet equally resonant titles will anchor a full day of panels, meet-and-greets, and a uniquely immersive activation experience designed to connect fans directly with the voices—and minds—behind the stories they’ve come to love in their headphones.

Kicking off the day is the Dungeon Crawler Carl: You Will Not Break Us panel, happening from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm in Room 5AB of the San Diego Convention Center. The panel reunites Matt Dinniman, the New York Times bestselling author of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, with Jeff Hays, the legendary narrator who has become the voice—literally—of Carl, Princess Donut, and an entire cavalcade of wild, hilarious, and horrifying characters. For longtime fans, this panel promises a behind-the-scenes look into how a twisted, irreverent LitRPG series grew into a full-blown audio phenomenon. The duo will delve into the collaborative nature of the series' audiobook production, sharing insights into how Jeff Hays crafts his intricate performances and how Matt Dinniman allows the fandom itself to shape the series' evolution. From the press notes, it’s clear that both men see this as more than just a Q&A—it’s a victory lap with the people who helped elevate the series from cult favorite to chart-topping juggernaut.

But the real cherry on top for Dungeon Crawler Carl fans lands later in the day with “The Safe Room” activation, running from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at the Coin-Op Game Room on 789 Sixth Ave . Unlike the standard SDCC booth experience, this activation invites fans to step inside a living tribute to the bizarre world of Carl and Donut. Featuring retro arcade games (including Frogger, naturally), photo ops, Princess Donut temporary tattoos, exclusive giveaways, and in-person interactions with Matt Dinniman and Jeff Hays, “The Safe Room” is set to be more than just a fan zone—it’s a full-on celebration of community. According to organizers, the space was designed with direct input from fan ideas and feedback, making it a physical manifestation of the fandom’s energy. Whether you're reliving your favorite moments or hoping to snag limited-edition swag, this activation looks poised to capture the strange magic that makes Dungeon Crawler Carl one of the most memorable audio experiences out there.

Later in the afternoon, at 4:15 pm in Room 6A, Audible will shift focus to another heavy hitter with its Project Hail Mary Audible Book Club panel. Featuring bestselling author Andy Weir, acclaimed narrator Ray Porter, and film producer Aditya Sood, this event promises to explore the meteoric rise of a story that blends hard science, heartfelt emotion, and interstellar stakes into one of Audible’s most universally acclaimed productions. With over a million audiobooks sold and a major motion picture on the horizon, Project Hail Mary is more than just a hit—it’s a benchmark. Fans consistently praise Ray Porter’s narration as one of the finest performances in audiobook history, and this panel will offer a rare look into how that performance came to life, how Andy Weir built the novel from scientific principles outward, and how the upcoming film is working to translate that uniquely audio-first experience to the big screen. The synergy between these three creators—storyteller, performer, and visual producer—captures the multidisciplinary future of storytelling, where a novel isn’t just a book anymore but the seed of a transmedia phenomenon.

As anticipation builds, what becomes clear is that Audible’s presence at SDCC 2025 isn’t just about marketing a product—it’s about celebrating a medium. Audiobooks, once seen as ancillary to traditional reading, are now cultural events in their own right, with performances and productions that rival the scope and emotional weight of film and television. With events like these, Audible is making the case that listening is no longer just an option—it’s the gateway to deeper fandom, wider imagination, and unforgettable storytelling. Whether you're a hardened Crawler or a star-bound scientist, July 26 is shaping up to be a day where voices carry farther than ever before.

Audible’s ‘dungeon crawler carl: you will not break us’ panel :
When : Panel Date & Time: Saturday, July 26 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where : Location: San Diego Convention Center, Room 5AB
Who: New York Times bestselling author of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series Matt Dinniman, Dungeon Crawler Carl series audio narrator Jeff Hays
What : Welcome, Crawler. Welcome to the Dungeon. Join Matt Dinniman, the New York Times bestselling author of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, and audio narrator Jeff Hays as they discuss the making of the LitRPG books that have taken the world by storm. NEW ACHIEVEMENT! Learn how Hays brings Carl, Princess Donut, and dozens of other voices to life in the Audible editions of DCC, how Dinniman approaches developing his characters throughout the sadistic alien gameshow they navigate, how the fandom has impacted the stories, and so much more. 

Audible’s Dungeon Crawler Carl The safe room activation:
When : Saturday, July 26 from 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Where : Location: Coin-Op Game Room (3926 30th St San Diego, CA 92104)
Who : New York Times bestselling author of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series Matt Dinniman, Dungeon Crawler Carl series audio narrator Jeff Hays
What : Inviting all Crawlers for an exclusive fan celebration with Dungeon Crawler Carl author Matt Dinniman and narrator Jeff Hays. Get a chance to meet Matt and Jeff, enjoy giveaways, and score limited-edition swag.

Audible’s ‘Project Hail Mary Audible Book Club’ panel:
When :  Panel Date & Time: Saturday, July 26 from 4:15 - 5:15 pm
Where : Location: San Diego Convention Center, Room 6A
Who : Best-selling author Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary narrator Ray Porter, and Project Hail Mary Film Producer Aditya Sood
What : With over a million audiobooks sold and a major motion picture coming to theaters, Project Hail Mary is one of the most popular audiobooks of all time, and there is no better time to celebrate the interstellar thriller that has delighted listeners around the world. Join best-selling author Andy Weir, beloved Project Hail Mary narrator Ray Porter, and Project Hail Mary film producer Aditya Sood as they discuss the making of the Audible Studios production and share some of their favorite excerpts from the audiobook that Audible audiences have called “the best audiobook in history” and “one of the all-time best audiobook performances.” Whether you’re a longtime fan, interested in diving in while you await the movie’s release, or curious about what makes for the most compelling audio storytelling experience, join this riveting Audible Book Club conversation to celebrate the acclaimed novel.

(Source : press release)