Rick and Morty: Adult Swim Series Co-Creator Justin Roiland’s Roles Being Recast Despite His Being Cleared

(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?