“Rick and Morty” shake-up: Meet the new Justin Roiland successors in Season …

‘Rick and Morty’ Replacements for Justin Roiland Revealed in Season 7 Premiere

New Voice Actors Assume Leading Roles After Roiland’s Departure

October 16, 2023 | Source: Variety | By Ian Cardoni

“Rick and Morty,” the beloved animated show, has announced the new voice actors who will be taking over the leading roles of Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith following the departure of star Justin Roiland. Roiland was removed from the show after facing domestic violence charges. In the Season 7 premiere, Ian Cardoni will voice Rick Sanchez, while Harry Belden will portray Morty Smith. This unveiling took place during the airing of the premiere episode on Sunday night, featuring both actors’ names in the credits. Notably, the opening credits omitted the usual “Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon” and only showcased the “Rick and Morty” logo.

The Rise of Cardoni and Belden

For both Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden, these roles mark the highest-profile projects in their careers thus far. Cardoni has previously taken on minor roles in films such as “Grown Ups” and “Clear History,” while Belden has made guest appearances in television shows like “Chicago Med” and “Joe Pera Talks with You.” This opportunity to lend their voices to the iconic characters of “Rick and Morty” will undoubtedly catapult their careers to new heights.

A Trail of Secrecy

The voices of Rick and Morty’s new actors were first heard in the Season 7 trailer, which premiered in September. However, the identities of the individuals behind the voices were kept under wraps by Adult Swim. Even the screeners distributed before the season launch did not feature any credits. The production representatives initially pledged to reveal the voice actors’ names before the Season 7 premiere on October 15, but Adult Swim reneged on that promise, keeping the identities confidential until the east coast premiere on Sunday night.

A Controversial Departure

Justin Roiland was fired by Adult Swim in January amidst domestic violence accusations. However, in March, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office dismissed the charge. Roiland was not only the co-creator of “Rick and Morty” alongside Dan Harmon but also provided the voices for several other characters on the show. Prior to his departure, NBC published a report alleging that Roiland had used his fame to engage with young women, some of whom were underage. One woman even accused him of sexual assault. However, Roiland’s attorney has denied these allegations.

The Futuristic Adventures Continue

“Rick and Morty” centers around the adventures of the titular grandfather-grandson duo as they travel across the universe. The Season 7 trailer teased what fans can expect, promising that the upcoming season will delve into intriguing and possibly unexpected storylines. Adult Swim’s logline humorously states, “Rick and Morty are back and sounding more like themselves than ever.” The summary also hints at the exploration of Jerry’s storyline, the possibility of an evil Summer, and questions about their return to high school. Fans can anticipate 10 new episodes in Season 7, which premiered on Adult Swim on October 15. The logline also cheekily suggests that this animated series has the potential to continue for 100 years or at least until Season 10.

A Changing Landscape

The departure of Justin Roiland from “Rick and Morty” and his replacement with Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden highlight a larger trend in the entertainment industry. As society becomes more conscious of social issues, particularly those related to misconduct and abuse, the industry is beginning to hold individuals accountable for their actions. This decision by Adult Swim demonstrates their commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful working environment, sending a clear message that abusive behavior will not be tolerated.

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animation-rickandmorty, justinroiland, season, shake-up, successors