(Photo by: Adult Swim)
A significant change is ahead for the Rick and Morty series. The characters voiced by co-creator Justin Roiland, including the show’s title characters, are being replaced via dubbing.
Created by Roiland and Dan Harmon, the Rick and Morty show revolves primarily around the relationship and travels of the two main characters. Rick is an eccentric and alcoholic mad scientist who goes on adventures with his 14-year-old kind-hearted and grounded grandson, Morty. The rest of the voice cast includes Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, and Sarah Chalke.
In January, Roiland was charged with two counts of felony domestic violence. Those charges were later dropped due to insufficient evidence, but Adult Swim has decided to stand by the decision made at that time to part ways with Roiland and recast his characters.
Adult Swim president Michael Ouweleen said the following about replacing Roiland’s voice during a recent interview, per Vulture:
“He will be replaced in dubbing. Voices are obviously super-important in an animated series. And, of course, none of us wanted to go through what we went through. But I’ve been in animation for a long time, and I know that what makes a series is its different parts coming together. If the voices are obviously a big part, there is also the writing of the characters, their design.”
Steve Levy, an executive producer on Rick and Morty compared the recasting to how Bugs Bunny has had multiple voices since the passing of Mel Blanc:
“It’s a rather unique situation. I even think that for Rick and Morty we will do even better… It will be fine. It’ll be great.”
What do you think? Are you a fan of Rick and Morty? Do you plan to continue watching the Adult Swim series without Roiland’s involvement?
it won’t be the same, I think this is how the animation series will end
Could it be that they are saving money by letting him go? The rumors that he has little involvement with the creation and does most his work from home? Or too much bad blood between him and Harmon? Putting the show on hiatus until a determination in the case seems more appropriate than just firing someone. Sounds like they were looking for an excuse to begin with. There are only certain versions of Bugs B that I can stand. I enjoy the writing on this show but voice changes might make it just too distracting. That would suck.
I don’t know about this
it not gonna be good
Yeah no thanks, plenty of other stuff to watch.
I’ve never watched the show, but I don’t agree with this decision at all. If he’s been cleared and he wasn’t charged of any wrongdoing, he shouldn’t lose his job.
No!!! As a major fan this is a bad idea. We will stop watching. You ruined it! He is cleared and we never cared anyway. His voice stays!!!
i agree no one cares the situation has blown over the charges dropped but nooooooo they would rather risk pissing off their whole fan base instead.
woke american culture at its finest the man was cleared of the charges but lets still take his job away and try and ruin his life instead of saying sorry and letting him keep his job.
It will sound “off” and fans will hate it. Not saying bring back Roiland but understand that it won’t be same even if you are trying to convince yourself.