Ahead of Season 7’s premiere last fall, Rick and Morty underwent a significant change behind the scenes as Adult Swim parted ways with co-creator and former voice actor, Justin Roiland. Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden were announced as the new voices for the titular duo, a move that aimed to seamlessly continue the series without disruption.
According to series co-creator Dan Harmon, the transition was designed to maintain the show’s integrity and ensure fans wouldn’t notice a difference. In an interview with Variety, Harmon expressed satisfaction with how smoothly the change was received: “The goal was to not disrupt the show. I believe we accomplished that. Fans seem to have accepted the new voices, and for me, that’s what matters.”
Harmon emphasized that the casting process was handled carefully to preserve the essence of the characters, stating, “This is about millions of fans who cherish Rick and Morty. We wanted to honor that loyalty.” He credited the success of the transition to the efforts of the entire team, ensuring that the characters retained their familiar quirks and essence.
Looking ahead, Rick and Morty Season 8 is currently in development, slated for release in 2025. Additionally, Rick and Morty: The Anime is set to debut later this year in collaboration with Adult Swim and Max, expanding the universe of the beloved animated series.