Jon Hamm Will Explore the World of Dungeons & Dragons in New Podcast

Jon Hamm Will Explore the World of Dungeons & Dragons in New Podcast

As a long-time gamer and avid fan of both TV and podcasts, I can’t help but be excited about John Hamm’s latest project, “Dungeon Masters.” Hamm has always been a talented actor with an impressive resume, from his iconic role as Don Draper in Mad Men to his recent Emmy-nominated performances in The Morning Show and Fargo. But what really piques my interest is his foray into the world of podcasting and the fantasy genre, specifically Dungeons & Dragons.


John Hamm, who’s now 53 and received Emmy nods for “The Morning Show” and “Fargo,” is stepping into a new realm: podcasting. Before rising to fame with his iconic role as Don Draper on “Mad Men,” Hamm built a successful film and TV career, most recently appearing in “Top Gun: Maverick.” Next up, Hamm is delving into the fantasy world of Dungeons & Dragoons for his podcast project.

As a passionate gamer, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be taking on both the executive producer and leading roles in an intriguing new project called “Dungeon Masters.” This isn’t your typical game of D&D instead, it’s a gripping true-crime podcast series set in 1979.

In 1979 setting, this series invites listeners on an exclusive journey into the mysterious world of Dungeons & Dragons. Narrated from the perspectives of private investigator William Dear, portrayed by Hamm, and game creator Gary Gygax, brilliantly played by Wil Wheaton. The story follows William Dear as he embarks on a thrilling adventure to locate missing Michigan State student Dallas Egbert. Rumored to have vanished in the university’s steam tunnels while living out a real-life Dungeons & Dragons experience.

Hamm expressed his enthusiasm about investigating the enigma of Dallas Egbert alongside a skilled crew and actors in this project. Listeners are in for a treat as they join William Dear’s adventure and fully engage with the series. Hamm, along with Wheaton, is part of an impressive cast including Felicia Day (Supernatural), Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones), Emily Axford (Adam Ruins Everything), Anjali Bhimani (Ms. Marvel), and Mark Daugherty (Captain Marvel). The series will debut on August 12, 2024.

Haven’t We Heard This Dungeons & Dragons Story Before?

Jon Hamm Will Explore the World of Dungeons & Dragons in New Podcast

If you find yourself pondering why this tale seems reminiscent, it’s due to the fact that the James Dallas Egbert case served as inspiration for the 1982 television movie “Mazes and Monsters.” In this production, Tom Hanks portrayed Robbie Wheeling, a college student whose involvement with Dungeons & Dragons led to unfortunate consequences. The film was adapted from Rona Jaffe’s 1981 novel of the same name and played a role in the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, during which many believed that activities like D&D and heavy metal music could cause children to worship Satan.

David Kushner, both an author and the mastermind behind Dungeons & Dragons, has consistently found the Egbert case intriguing. With his latest podcast project, he aims to provide fresh insights into this captivating mystery and its impact on gaming culture.

Since I was a child playing Dungeons & Draggers (D&D), the enigma of Dallas Egbert’s disappearance has captivated me. During an interview with Gary Gygax, the game’s co-creator for Wired, he shared how this event influenced the game. I believed that William Dear’s quest to find Dallas would make an engaging podcast, immersing listeners in the game world and the community of dedicated players. Given that D&D is centered around storytelling, a podcast seemed like a fitting medium.

In recent times, games like “Critical Role” where voice actors gather for a tabletop D&D session have gained immense popularity, along with the success of the 2023 film “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.” With the upcoming 50th anniversary of D&D in 2024, the demand for more content showcasing the game’s distinct charm is at an all-time high. That’s where “Dungeon Masters” enters the scene, providing fans with an abundance of engaging material to satisfy their unquenchable curiosity.

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2024-07-23 21:32