The much-anticipated “Rick and Morty: The Anime” has officially premiered on Adult Swim, introducing fans to a new dimension within the already expansive multiverse of the original series. This anime spinoff, a surprising yet exciting addition to the “Rick and Morty” franchise, brings the beloved characters into the realm of anime under the creative direction of some of the industry’s most respected figures. In an exclusive interview, we sat down with writer and director Takashi Sano and executive producer Joseph Chou to delve into the creative process behind this new series, the introduction of fresh characters, Morty’s evolving love life, and the anime’s place in the ever-expanding Rick and Morty multiverse.
Creative Freedom
When asked about the creative latitude given while crafting “Rick and Morty: The Anime,” Sano and Chou revealed that they were afforded remarkable freedom. “It was like being handed a blank check,” they explained. “As long as we didn’t overlap with what was happening in the main series, we were encouraged to explore and experiment with the characters. This level of creative freedom was liberating and allowed us to truly make the anime our own.”
Reflecting on their earlier work on the “Rick and Morty vs. Genocider” and “Summer Meets God (Rick Meets Evil)” shorts, Sano and Chou discussed how these projects laid the groundwork for the anime. The initial shorts allowed Sano to experiment with dynamic animation styles and unique screen compositions, which eventually built his confidence to take on a full-length series. “Trying it once, trying it twice, and then being allowed to take on the series gave me the confidence to push boundaries,” Sano shared.
The Multiverse Within a Multiverse
The anime’s place within the larger “Rick and Morty” multiverse is a question that naturally arises among fans. Sano and Chou describe the anime as a “multiverse within a multiverse,” existing under the vast umbrella of the original series. According to Sano, the anime features the original Rick and Morty, who interact with various versions of themselves from different multiverses. “It’s about how these characters react when thrown into a world where they meet alternate versions of themselves,” Sano explained. “This new multiverse within the multiverse was our way of adding another layer of depth to the characters and the story.”
Conclusion
“Rick and Morty: The Anime” marks an exciting new chapter in the ongoing saga of the franchise. With the creative minds behind it given the freedom to explore new narratives and animation styles, the anime offers a fresh perspective on the beloved characters while staying true to the essence of the original series. As the anime continues its ten-episode run this summer, fans can look forward to more adventures in this newly expanded multiverse, where anything is possible.