Brennan Lee Mulligan Takes Over Critical Role’s Campaign 4 in Historic Move

Critical Role is entering a new era—and the TTRPG community is buzzing.

Brennan Lee Mulligan, the fan-favorite dungeon master behind Dimension 20, has officially been announced as the Game Master for Critical Role’s Campaign 4. This marks the first time in the show’s history that someone other than Matt Mercer will helm a main campaign, making this one of the biggest shake-ups in actual play history.

With a new three-year deal with Dropout and a campaign premiere set for October 2, Brennan’s move signals a seismic shift in the world of tabletop role-playing games. Here’s why this moment, published as an exclusive on Variety, matters and what fans can expect.

From A Child DM to the Biggest Table in the World

Brennan Lee Mulligan’s journey is the kind of story every tabletop gamer dreams about.

He began running games at just 10 years old, spinning stories for his friends in living rooms and basements like so many dungeon masters before him. Over the years, his passion for storytelling, worldbuilding, and high-stakes drama led him to become the face of Dimension 20, Dropout’s wildly successful actual play series.

Now, that journey has brought him to the ultimate stage: Critical Role’s Campaign 4.

Why This Is a Big Deal for Critical Role

Since 2015, Matt Mercer has been synonymous with Critical Role. He built Exandria, crafted beloved campaigns like Vox Machina, The Mighty Nein, and Bells Hells, and shaped the very idea of “actual play” as a mainstream genre.

For the first time, Mercer is stepping back—taking “a bit of a breather,” according to Critical Role’s announcement—and letting another DM take the helm for a full core campaign.

Campaign 4 will feature:

• A brand new world outside of Exandria
• A fresh tone and “new legends to be forged”
• Most of the same cast fans love exploring stories from a new perspective
• Matt as a player.

This move isn’t just about giving Mercer a break—it’s about expanding Critical Role’s storytelling horizons and reaching new audiences who discovered TTRPGs through Dimension 20.

Brennan Lee Mulligan’s Power Move

The timing couldn’t be better for Brennan.

Alongside the Critical Role announcement, Variety revealed that he signed a three-year development deal with Dropout, which includes leading Dimension 20 creatively and producing new original series.

This makes Brennan not just a beloved storyteller—but one of the most influential figures in TTRPG media.

• He now bridges the two biggest actual play empires
• He’s at the forefront of unscripted narrative storytelling
• And he’s poised to bring his signature humor, depth, and drama to millions of Critical Role viewers

It’s a career-defining moment that cements him as the most visible dungeon master in the world.

When and Where to Watch Campaign 4

Critical Role’s Campaign 4 will premiere on October 2, 2025. Here’s what fans need to know:

• Live Streams: Beacon.tv, YouTube, and Twitch
• VOD Access: Available to all viewers the following Monday
• Podcast Format: Episodes will release in two parts each week, starting the week after the premiere
• Exclusive Content: Beacon subscribers get Critical Role Cooldown for behind-the-scenes post-show reactions

With Brennan at the helm, the campaign promises a new flavor of storytelling—one that blends his improvisational chaos and heartfelt drama with Critical Role’s cinematic production.

What This Means for the TTRPG Industry

Brennan stepping into Matt Mercer’s chair isn’t just a casting choice—it’s a signal to the industry.

• Cross-pollination of audiences: Dimension 20 and Critical Role fans will be watching each other’s favorites.
• Increased mainstream attention: Moves like this attract coverage from outlets like Variety and widen TTRPG’s cultural footprint.
• Proof of longevity: By expanding its roster of GMs, Critical Role ensures its format can thrive beyond any single personality.

As the landscape of TTRPG entertainment continues to grow, this collaboration shows that actual play is here to stay—and it’s evolving.

Final Thoughts

Brennan Lee Mulligan has spent decades telling stories, building worlds, and rolling dice. From a 10-year-old DM in a living room to the face of Dimension 20, his journey is a testament to the power of creativity and community.

Now, he takes on Critical Role’s Campaign 4, stepping into the biggest dungeon master chair in the world.

Whether you’re a Critter, a Dimension 20 fan, or just a TTRPG enthusiast, one thing is clear:

A new era of actual play begins this October—and no one knows how big it will get.

What’s your take on Brennan taking the reins? Are you hyped, nervous, or still processing? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s roll initiative on this conversation.