Audible has announced major guests at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 who will participate in its two panels, as well as the “Level Up Lounge” activation. Sisters Kate McKinnon and Emily Lynne will speak on a panel about Audible’s medieval comedy series Heads Will Roll, and author Matt Dinniman and narrator Jeff Hays will speak on a panel about Dungeon Crawler Carl.
SDCC has yet to announce its full panel schedule, but Audible has revealed the titles and descriptions for these highly-anticipated discussions. “Audible Presents: Goddammnit, Donut – A Totally Professional Panel with Matt Dinniman and Jeff Hays” will feature a conversation with the Dungeon Crawler Crawl author and narrator, moderated by Maude Garrett at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
From the explosive success of the DCC audiobooks on Audible to the art of transforming irreverent, high-octane storytelling into unforgettable audio performances, this conversation dives into the creative chemistry between writer and voice actor. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, insights into building a devoted fanbase, and a look at how humor, heart, and chaos come together across page and performance. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the series, this panel promises laughs, surprises, and a deeper appreciation for the craft behind the madness.
“Heads Will Roll: Kate McKinnon and Emily Lynne on Crafting Audible’s Hit Medieval Comedy Series” will feature a conversation with McKinnon and Lynne, moderated by Executive Producer of Broadway Video, Britta.
With season two, Heir Apparent, now available, Kate and Emily will share the creative chaos of building their absurd medieval world—think Game of Thrones meets What We Do in the Shadows—where a raven turns into a toad, queens face demonic reproductive deadlines, and nothing goes according to plan. This conversation will reveal how these siblings transformed their shared sense of humor into a New York Times bestselling audio series.
Kate and Emily will discuss their creative process, share stories from recording with an all-star cast including Carrie Coon, Sam Richardson, Megan Mullally, Richard Kind, Patti LuPone, and more, and explain why audio storytelling gave them the freedom to create their most unhinged fantasy comedy adventure yet. Expect laughs, chaos, and insight into what happens when you give two comedy siblings complete creative control.
Audible has also announced the details of its “Level Up Lounge” activation, described as “the ultimate player hub and immersive fan space inspired by Audible’s biggest LitRPG worlds, Dungeon Crawler Carl and Bobiverse.” Attendees earn XP (experience points) based on their participation and engagement, which they can then redeem for exclusive merchandise. Attendees can participate in the following:
- A Bobiverse zone inspired by “BobNet,” the interstellar digital communication network
- A Dungeon Crawler Carl survival zone where fans can record a “Crawler Incident Report”
- Cosplay touchups, listening and phone charging stations, and fan photo ops
- Exclusive themed giveaways and prizes
The “Level Up Lounge” will be at Swing Social at 527 Fifth Ave on Saturday, July 25 from 1-4 p.m. PT.
SDCC attendees who are craving something sweet as they head into the weekend can also stop by the Princess Donut food truck on Friday, July 24 between 12 and 6 p.m. at 502 7th Ave. The truck will distribute free themed donut holes, custom Audible-branded boxes with QR codes, and exclusive merch celebrating Dungeon Crawler Carl‘s unofficial fan club, the Donut Holes.
Themed donut holes include:
- GODDAMNIT, DONUT! (Cinnamon) – A blast of pure cinnamon chaos. Warning: May cause spontaneous explosions, pants loss, and a deep resentment of enthusiastic AI announcers.
- SAMANTHA’S HEAD (Powdered sugar) – A ghost-white treat that doesn’t come with a body but promises to scream insults at your mother if you eat too many.
- THE DESPERADO GLAZE (Vanilla glaze) – A smooth, glossy treat reserved strictly for the dungeon’s high society. Princess Donut approved. If you are a dirty, barefoot biped who hasn’t paid your club dues, put it down immediately.
Additional Dungeon Crawler Carl-themed surprises may pop up around the streets of San Diego throughout SDCC.
Stay tuned to The Beat for more news from SDCC ’26.
