Brennan Lee Mulligan joins the Critical Role cast as the new Dungeon Master for Campaign 4.
Critical Role has officially announced its Campaign 4, and for the first time in the show’s history, Matthew Mercer will not be sitting in the Dungeon Master’s chair. Instead, Brennan Lee Mulligan – beloved for his high-energy storytelling in Dimension 20 – will guide the next chapter of Critical Role’s tabletop adventures.
The announcement came during the “Oaths and Ash” live show in Indianapolis on August 2, where the cast confirmed that Campaign 4 will premiere on October 2, 2025. Fans were quick to react to the surprise twist: not only is Mercer stepping aside as DM, but the new campaign won’t even take place in Exandria, the original fantasy setting Mercer built over nearly a decade.
A New World, A New Mastermind
Brennan Lee Mulligan’s addition marks a major shift for Critical Role. Widely admired for his quick wit and improvisational brilliance, Mulligan brings a fresh voice to the table while honoring the collaborative spirit that has made Critical Role such a phenomenon. This move also gives Mercer a chance to step fully into the role of player or take on other creative projects behind the scenes – something he has hinted at wanting to do for years.
While the cast has not confirmed what game system they’ll use, many speculate that they could debut their own tabletop RPG, Daggerheart, which Critical Role launched earlier this year. Whether they stick with D&D 5e or forge a new path, fans are eager to see how Mulligan’s GM style blends with Critical Role’s signature long-form storytelling.
A Turning Point for Critical Role
Critical Role has always been about pushing the boundaries of actual-play storytelling, and Campaign 4 looks set to continue that tradition. By handing the reins to a new Dungeon Master and exploring a brand-new world, the cast is making it clear that they’re ready to take creative risks and surprise their audience yet again.
Campaign 4 begins streaming on YouTube, Twitch, and the Beacon platform on October 2. Longtime fans and curious newcomers alike will be watching closely – ready to see what magic happens when a new voice calls the shots at the table.