BREAKING NEWS: Tasha Huo has officially stepped into the role of showrunner for Critical Role’s highly anticipated Prime Video series, “The Mighty Nein,” marking a remarkable journey from fan to creator. Huo, who started as a devoted viewer of the group’s Twitch stream, is now at the helm of a project that follows the success of “The Legend of Vox Machina,” which raised an impressive $11.3 million in Kickstarter funding in 2019.
In an exclusive interview, Huo shared her insights into the writing process for the series, revealing that she began working on the project in November 2022 after being recommended by industry contacts. “It was kind of like coming home,” Huo expressed, emphasizing the passion that drives her work.
Based in Los Angeles, Huo first encountered Dungeons & Dragons as a child. Years later, a friend introduced her to Critical Role, and she became instantly captivated, binge-watching the show’s 141-episode campaign over the years. “I was absolutely hooked,” she said, highlighting how the show transformed her understanding of the game.
As showrunner, Huo collaborates closely with Critical Role’s eight cofounders, including creative leaders Matt Mercer, Sam Riegel, and Travis Willingham. The team’s synergy is evident in the writer’s room, where discussions focus on character development and story arcs. Huo explained, “The conversations always started with all of us in a room talking about the characters, talking about why they felt the way they did.”
With the series now available on Prime Video, Huo faced the daunting task of condensing hundreds of hours of source material into just eight 44-minute episodes. She noted the importance of prioritizing key storylines, particularly focusing on cofounder Liam O’Brien’s character, Caleb Widogast, to ensure clarity in the overarching narrative.
Huo’s role also allowed her to explore untold stories and details from the original campaign. “We get to tell a side spy show within ‘The Mighty Nein,'” she said, relishing the opportunity to delve deeper into the lore created by Mercer and the other cofounders.
For aspiring writers, Huo offers crucial advice: “Dedicate yourself to the craft. Always be writing, even when there’s negativity and rejection.” She emphasized that perseverance is key to success in the industry. Additionally, she encourages writers to embrace their passions, recalling her own nervousness when meeting Riegel. “It turns out that’s exactly what they wanted to hear, from someone who really, really loved the show.”
As “The Mighty Nein” premieres, fans eagerly await the magic Huo and her team have crafted, reflecting not just a beloved campaign but a testament to the power of passion and dedication in storytelling.
Stay tuned for more updates as the series unfolds and engages a global audience of fans eager to join the adventure.
