By Jesse Whittock, Max Goldbart

EXCLUSIVE: Universal International Studios (UIS) and Seth MacFarlane's are developing a TV adaptation of Matt Dinniman's novel Dungeon Crawler Carl. Chris Yost, best known for writing Marvel's Thor: Ragnarok and The Mandalorian, is set to direct the book.

UIS, part of Universal Studio Group (USG), acquired the rights to the novel in what has been described as a “highly competitive” situation, with USG’s Creative Acquisitions and IP Management team playing a key role in the deal.

Dinniman's indie novel Dungeon Crawler Carl has sold over a million copies after initially being self-published as an e-book and audiobook. Five sequels followed, and Dinniman has raised large sums on Kickstarter to publish special editions. He recently signed a publishing agreement with Penguin Random House and a hardcover version of the book will be released next week (August 27).