“Rick and Morty” fans worldwide eagerly tuned in for the Season 7 premiere, only to be greeted by an unexpected change – the iconic voices behind the titular characters were different. For six seasons, Justin Roiland lent his vocal talents to both Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith, but now, new actors have stepped into these roles. What prompted this sudden change, and who are the new voices behind one of TV’s most beloved duos? Let’s dive into the story behind this major shake-up.
The Reason Behind the Voice Change: A Sudden Farewell to Justin Roiland
The departure of Justin Roiland from “Rick and Morty” was sudden and surrounded by controversy. Roiland, who also co-created the show, was let go prior to the production of Season 7. This change left a void in the series that needed to be filled quickly, as Roiland’s unique voice was integral to the characters of Rick and Morty.
The reason for Roiland’s departure stems from serious legal troubles. He was charged with “one felony count of domestic battery with corporal injury and one felony count of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud and/or deceit” in May 2020. Adult Swim took a strong stance on the matter:
“Adult Swim has ended its association with Justin Roiland, Rick and Morty will continue. The talented and dedicated crew are hard at work on season 7.”
This decision reflected the network’s commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful working environment.
The Search for Rick and Morty’s New Voices: A Six-Month Journey
Filling the shoes of Justin Roiland was no small task. The production team embarked on a six-month-long casting journey, sifting through thousands of auditions in search of the perfect matches for Rick and Morty. Scott Marder, the showrunner for “Rick and Morty,” shared insights about the extensive casting process with The Hollywood Reporter, shedding light on the meticulous effort put into finding the right talent.
Ultimately, the roles went to Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden, who now voice Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith, respectively. Despite the challenges presented by the change, these two actors have successfully captured the essence of the characters, delivering performances that pay homage to Roiland’s work while also bringing their own flair to the roles.
This season 7 of Rick & Morty IS VERY HORRIBLE! They changed everything due creator's fired. Very ashamed that. This is NOT our Rick & Morty.#RickAndMorty #RickAndMortyseason7 #NotOurRickAndMorty pic.twitter.com/cyl3KDMKE3
— Felippe Alexandher (@FelippeAlexand3) October 17, 2023
Moving Forward: The Future of Rick and Morty with a New Cast
With Season 7 of “Rick and Morty” in full swing, fans are curious about what the future holds for the series. The production team, led by Dan Harmon, is already hard at work, ensuring that the show continues to deliver the high-quality content that fans have come to expect. The transition to new voice actors has been smooth, and the characters of Rick and Morty remain as beloved as ever.
As we look forward to future episodes and seasons, “Rick and Morty” proves that even in the face of unexpected changes and challenges, the show must go on. The series continues to be a beacon of creativity and innovation in the animated television landscape, and with a dedicated team and talented new cast, Rick and Morty’s intergalactic adventures are sure to captivate audiences for years to come.
