New Voices for Beloved Duo: Meet the New Rick and Morty Cast
In a long-awaited season seven premiere, "Rick and Morty" fans were finally introduced to the voices behind the show's iconic duo, officially ending months of speculation. The beloved mad scientist Rick and his bumbling grandson Morty, previously voiced by co-creator Justin Roiland have now been given new voices – Ian Cardoni as Rick and Harry Belden as Morty.
This casting decision came after the show parted ways with Justin Roiland earlier this year due to allegations of misconduct, which, although later dismissed, created a drastic shift in the show's production. The decision to replace Roiland was not taken lightly, as his contributions to the show's success were undeniable. To preserve the seamless viewer experience, the show's creators set out on a rigorous casting search, aiming to ensure that fans could embrace the change without disruptions.
The premiere episode, titled "How Poopy Got His Poop Back," saw Cardoni and Belden making their debut as the voices of the alcoholic genius Rick and his often overwhelmed grandson Morty. This marked a significant transition, as Justin Roiland had been the sole voice behind these characters for all previous episodes. Ian Cardoni is known for his voice work in WWE and Apple TV promos, and Harry Belden has previously worked on Adult Swim's "Joe Pera Talks With You," Fox's "Proven Innocent," and NBC's "Chicago Med." Both actors have refrained from interviews in support of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.
Fan reactions to the new voices have been mixed, with some expressing anticipation for the rest of Season 7, while others describe the new voices as "weird." The decision to change the cast was a difficult one, but the creators aim to extend the show's lifespan, moving forward with Cardoni and Belden as Rick and Morty's new voices.
"Rick and Morty" has seen a turbulent year behind the scenes, with co-creator Justin Roiland being let go following allegations of domestic violence, which were later dismissed. Despite these challenges, the show's creators remain determined to deliver the same quality content that fans have come to expect and love. As the new season unfolds, viewers will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how the show's dynamic evolves with the fresh voices of Cardoni and Belden at the helm.
