The animated multiverse just got a little more complex—or should we say complicated? Season 7 of Rick and Morty, that iconic duo of science fiction absurdity, has touched down. And guess what? The biggest chatter isn’t about a new dimension or existential nihilism; it’s about the new voices behind your favorite characters.
The Whirlwind Exit of Justin Roiland
For the uninitiated, Justin Roiland, the co-creator who gave voice to both Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith, parted ways with Adult Swim amidst a storm of controversy. Roiland faced domestic violence charges, which were later dismissed.
“I always knew that these claims were false—and I never had any doubt that this day would come,” Roiland remarked after his charges were cleared.
The Big Question: Who’s Filling Those Shoes?
The real curiosity here was about who would be the new voices for these beloved characters. Showrunner Scott Marder told The Hollywood Reporter:
“For all those people who are just tuning in to the show as if nothing has changed, I wanted them to have the maximum fan experience they could have without any distraction.”
Marder was basically saying, ‘Don’t worry, we got this.’
So Who Are They?
So, you’re burning with curiosity, huh? Well, the seventh season premiered on Sunday, October 15th, and we now know who’s in charge of carrying forward these iconic roles. The gravelly voice of Rick Sanchez now belongs to Ian Cardoni, while Harry Belden is the new Morty Smith.
What about other smaller characters like Mr. Poopybutthole? Well, another chap by the name of John Allen has come to the rescue.
“We are happy for them to take on more of these smaller characters. In the time crunch we were in, it was a lot to ask either of them to fully take on Poopy,” Scott Marder added.
A Quick Rundown on the New Talent
Ian Cardoni as Rick Sanchez
Believe it or not, Rick and Morty is Cardoni’s first major acting gig. He’s been in some short films and narrated WrestleMania 37, but this is his big break.
Harry Belden as Morty Smith
Like Cardoni, this series is also a leap into the big leagues for Belden, whose other credits include episodes of Chicago Med and Chicago Fire.
Don’t Forget the Oldies
Yes, many of the original cast are back for another crazy ride. You’ll hear Chris Parnell as Jerry Smith, Spencer Grammer as Summer Smith, and Sarah Chalke returning to voice both Beth Smith and her interdimensional clone, Space Beth.
What’s Next for Our Intergalactic Misfits?
What’s certain is that Adult Swim is moving mountains to ensure that fans have the same enjoyable and unhinged viewing experience they’ve come to expect from the series. Scott Marder, clearly steering the ship with an eye on both old fans and newcomers, describes this season as one aiming to give everyone “the same show they’ve had every other season.”
So, it looks like we’re in for a fascinating journey through time, space, and the limits of vocal impersonation. Buckle up; it’s going to be another wild ride!
