Critical Role Hints at Major Upcoming Project with Jeremy Crawford

12/17/2025

Critical Role, a prominent name in the tabletop role-playing game community, appears to be on the cusp of unveiling a significant new creative endeavor. Recent events, particularly a telling moment during their 'Cooldown' show, suggest that a major announcement is imminent, possibly involving Jeremy Crawford, the former game director of Dungeons & Dragons. This development is generating considerable excitement and speculation among their dedicated fanbase, as it could signal a new chapter for the franchise, either expanding on existing properties like 'Daggerheart' or introducing something entirely novel within their expansive universe.

The hint dropped during a 'Cooldown' episode following Campaign 4, episode 9. While discussing the week's intense cliffhanger, Dungeon Master Brennan Lee Mulligan humorously mentioned tweeting Jeremy Crawford for rules clarifications. Travis Willingham, one of Critical Role's founders, began to comment, but was abruptly cut off by an on-screen graphic proclaiming 'Critical Role Secrets & Spoiler Detector activated,' followed by a 'tape rewind' effect. This theatrically censored moment, while brief, strongly implied that Willingham was about to reveal sensitive information about an upcoming project, adding to the intrigue surrounding Crawford's new role within Darrington Press.

Jeremy Crawford, along with former D&D creative director Chris Perkins, joined Critical Role's publishing arm, Darrington Press, in June. Their move from Wizards of the Coast was widely discussed but amicable, with both now focused on developing 'Daggerheart,' Critical Role's own tabletop role-playing game. They are specifically working on a new, 'hellishly terrifying' setting for 'Daggerheart,' an announcement made at GenCon 2025. While a new expansion for 'Daggerheart' has also been revealed, introducing new monsters and campaign elements, the 'Cooldown' skit suggested something even larger might be in the works.

Speculation is rife that this new project could extend beyond 'Daggerheart.' Some fans wonder if the world of Aramán, a potential new setting for Critical Role, might be involved. There's also the possibility that Crawford or Perkins could make a guest appearance as a Dungeon Master in Campaign 4, offering a temporary reprieve for Brennan Lee Mulligan who juggles multiple campaigns. However, it's also plausible that Travis Willingham's near-slip simply pertained to exciting new updates for 'Daggerheart' itself, which would still be met with enthusiasm by the community.

Despite the lack of concrete details, the deliberate nature of the 'Cooldown' censorship indicates that Critical Role is building anticipation for a significant reveal. The dramatic editing to highlight Travis's slip suggests that whatever project Jeremy Crawford is involved with is of considerable importance and is expected to be announced sooner rather than later. Fans are eagerly awaiting official confirmation, keen to discover what new adventures and creative endeavors lie ahead for the Critical Role universe with Crawford's expertise at the helm.