Game-Changing Recasts: Unveiling 10 Genius Voice Swaps that Ensure Rick & Morty's Unwavering Legacy

Summary

Recasting main characters in a show like Rick and Morty can be scary, but these 10 successful voice recasts prove that it can work without disrupting the series.

Characters like Gumball Watterson, Aku, and Uncle Iroh demonstrate how recasting can seamlessly occur and even provide humorous references to the character's evolving voice. Similarly, television shows such as Family Guy, The Simpsons, and DuckTales have not only effectively replaced main characters but also rejuvenated and invigorated the series with a newfound energy. Considering this, Rick and Morty might benefit from taking a similar approach in season 7 to explore a new direction.

Rick and Morty season 7 is set to recast its main characters, but these previous successful voice recasts show that the series can persist after such a major change. The decision to recast the titular space-traveling duo has been one of the most nerve-wracking aspects of the upcoming season, as replacing the voice actors for the main characters has the potential to significantly disrupt the show. However, these ten examples of successful voice recasts demonstrate that it is entirely feasible for Rick and Morty to recast these characters and continue seamlessly, without missing a beat.

Justin Roiland, the creator of Rick and Morty, also provides the voices for Rick, Morty, and various other characters in the series. However, due to some legal issues, Adult Swim has decided to part ways with Roiland, leaving the show without its star. The network swiftly announced that Rick and Morty would carry on without Roiland, and that the main roles would be recast for the seventh season. Although there is limited information about the recasting for Rick and Morty season 7, fans remain eagerly anticipating the show's ability to handle this significant change. Fortunately, these past recasts provide some assurance that it can indeed be accomplished.

Gumball Watterson - The Amazing World of Gumball

Aku - Samurai Jack

Gumball Watterson, the perpetual 12-year-old protagonist of Cartoon Network's The Amazing World of Gumball, has undergone several voice recasts to maintain his youthful sound as the series progressed. The initial voice of Gumball was Logan Grove, succeeded by Jacob Hopkins, Nicolas Cantu, and Duke Cutler. Interestingly, the show cleverly incorporates jokes about Gumball's evolving voice, even dedicating an entire episode in season 3, titled "The Kids," to offer an in-universe explanation for the change, a narrative technique that may also be employed by shows like Rick and Morty.

Samurai Jack's main antagonist, Aku, is known for his fierce and menacing voice, which truly defines his villainous nature. From the beginning of the show until its end in 2004, Aku was brilliantly voiced by Mako. Sadly, Mako passed away before the series returned for its fifth season in 2017. However, the show couldn't go on without Aku, so the character was recast and Greg Baldwin took on the role. The transition between the two voice actors was incredibly smooth, with Baldwin flawlessly capturing Mako's essence. Just like Samurai Jack's fifth season, if Rick and Morty finds a talented impressionist, season 7 could also be a success.

Uncle Iroh - Avatar: The Last Airbender

Uncle Iroh, a cherished character in Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender, resonated deeply with viewers as one of the show's emotional centerpieces. Mako lent his voice to Uncle Iroh in Book One and Book Two of the series until his passing in 2006, leaving two seasons unfinished. With this unforeseen event, Avatar: The Last Airbender sought a replacement and found Greg Baldwin. Replacing a beloved character's voice actor in the midst of the show's original run is no small feat, but Avatar: The Last Airbender accomplished it with remarkable seamlessness. This achievement is reminiscent of Greg Baldwin's success in stepping in during a similar situation years later for Samurai Jack.

Dexter - Dexter's Laboratory

Dexter, the main character in Dexter's Lab, shares a similar comedic style and personality with Rick Sanchez. Christine Cavanaugh provided the voice for Dexter in the show's first three seasons, but retired in 2001. Candi Milo then took over the role, effortlessly capturing Dexter's zany energy. This seamless transition allowed Dexter's Laboratory to continue without any issues, which is something that Rick and Morty are also aiming for.

Meg Griffin - Family Guy

Mila Kunis, renowned for her portrayal of Meg Griffin on Family Guy, is often not credited as the character's original voice actor. Rachael MacFarlane lent her voice to Meg in the show's pilot episode, while Lacey Chabert assumed the role from 1999 to 2000. Since then, Kunis has skillfully brought Meg to life, transforming her into the beloved character she is today. Similar to Rick and Morty, Family Guy is an adult animated comedy series that has successfully overcome the challenge of recasting a key character.

Mr. Burns - The Simpsons

The character recasting in The Simpsons has been a common occurrence over its extensive tenure. Among these changes, the replacement of Christopher Collins by Harry Shearer for the role of Mr. Burns in 1990 stands out significantly. Shearer brought forth a redefined portrayal that reshaped the essence of Mr. Burns. Considering this, it is plausible that the newly appointed voice in Rick and Morty has the potential to revolutionize the characters in a similar manner. By doing so, it may break free from the recent stagnation experienced in the Rick and Morty seasons.

Scrooge McDuck - DuckTales

Alan Young's portrayal of Scrooge McDuck is iconic and considered one of the greatest voice-acting performances in history. With Young's unfortunate passing in 2016, the 2017 DuckTales reboot faced the daunting challenge of recasting the character. However, instead of attempting to mimic Young's voice, the series took a bold approach by casting David Tennant in the role. While Tennant brings a different interpretation to the character, his performance has been warmly embraced by fans. This willingness to explore new directions could be exactly what Rick and Morty season 7 needs.

Max - The Secret Life of Pets

Max, the main character in The Secret Life of Pets movies, shares a common underlying issue with Rick and Morty. In the original film, Max was voiced by Louis C.K.; however, due to allegations of sexual misconduct, Patton Oswalt was brought in to assume the lead role in The Secret Life of Pets 2. Although their voices differ, this was the best solution that the series could find in such a challenging predicament – a predicament similar to what Rick and Morty currently faces.

Porky Pig - Looney Tunes

Mel Blanc, the renowned voice actor responsible for giving life to the majority of Looney Tunes characters, notably took on the role of Porky Pig in 1937 after Joe Dougherty lent his voice to the character during the mid-1930s. Blanc's portrayal of Porky Pig has become one of his most iconic achievements, demonstrating that it is indeed possible to inherit and enhance a cherished character, much like how the creators of Rick and Morty have the potential to accomplish.

Korvo - Solar Opposites

Justin Roiland's Solar Opposites is yet another show in his repertoire, where he lends his voice to the main character, Korvo. Similar to Rick and Morty, there was a need to cast a new actor for the role of Korvo. Surprisingly, Solar Opposites managed to set an example for how Rick and Morty should handle their own recasting dilemma. Prior to season 4, Solar Opposites dropped a clip online showcasing a ray within the show's universe that magically altered Korvo's voice to that of the renowned actor, Dan Stevens, famous for his role in Downton Abbey. This clever and self-aware recasting gag aligns perfectly with Solar Opposites' comedic style, making one wonder if Rick and Morty will take a similar route.