Jeff Hays Joins Princess Donut Cast In Lead Voice Role

Jeff Hays, the audiobook narrator closely associated with the “Dungeon Crawler Carl” franchise, has been cast as the voice of Princess Donut in Peacock’s upcoming TV adaptation, according to multiple entertainment trade reports.

Variety and The Hollywood Reporter reported the casting, identifying Hays as “audiobook star” and the series’ established narrator. The role places Hays behind the microphone as Princess Donut, a key character in the “Dungeon Crawler Carl” story, for the live-action series version heading to Peacock.

Entertainment Weekly also reported on casting news tied to a Comic-Con announcement centered on Princess Donut. Across the reports, the consistent detail is that the adaptation is leaning on a familiar voice from the property’s audio success as it builds out the show’s on-screen and voice cast.

The casting is notable because it connects the TV series directly to the franchise’s existing fan base. Audiobook narration has been a major way audiences have experienced “Dungeon Crawler Carl,” and Hays’ involvement signals a continuity of performance for a character central to the story’s tone and identity.

It also underscores how adaptations increasingly treat audio and voice work as foundational creative material, not just ancillary content. By bringing in a prominent audiobook performer for a signature character, the production is making an explicit choice about character sound and presentation that can shape how the series lands with both longtime listeners and first-time viewers.

Peacock has not outlined additional character or episode details in the information cited in the trade reports, and the announcements focus specifically on Hays’ role as Princess Donut’s voice. Other outlets, including IMDb, Bleeding Cool News, and Comic Book Resources, echoed the casting in their coverage, reinforcing that the decision is part of the series’ formal rollout.

The next steps for the production will be the continued release of cast and project specifics as the show moves further into development and promotion. Based on the recent headlines, casting announcements are being timed with major industry moments and coverage cycles, including Comic-Con-related news.

For Peacock’s “Dungeon Crawler Carl,” attaching Jeff Hays to Princess Donut is a clear statement of intent: the series is building its adaptation with one of the franchise’s most recognizable vocal signatures already in place.