The Dynamic Duo: Unveiling the Talented New Voice Actors Behind Rick & Morty

Warning: Minor spoilers ahead for Rick and Morty season 1, episode 1.

Summary

In the seventh season of Rick and Morty, there is a deliberate decision to prioritize continuity by casting relatively unknown actors instead of opting for novelty. Ian Cardoni takes on the role of Rick in the first episode and delivers an uncanny performance closely resembling Roiland's portrayal, but with less slurred speech compared to earlier seasons.

Harry Belden's portrayal of Morty closely resembles the original, but the character doesn't receive much screen time in the premiere.

After a long awaited release of Rick and Morty season 7, the animated series finally introduced its two new lead voice actors, whose names may not be as familiar to viewers as expected. In January 2023, Justin Roiland, the star of Rick and Morty, faced charges of domestic battery, resulting in Adult Swim severing ties with the actor. Dan Stevens, a relatively well-known actor who appeared in the 2017 live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast and 2014's The Guest, was chosen to replace Roiland in his other show, Solar Opposites. However, finding a replacement for Roiland in Rick and Morty was more challenging due to his distinct roles.

Ian Cardoni's Previous Roles Before Rick Sanchez

Roiland, who voiced both title characters in the first six seasons of the show, was replaced by new voice actors for Rick and Morty in season 7. This sparked speculation about the potential replacement of Roiland with famous actors. However, the creators of Rick and Morty season 7 took a different approach by choosing relatively unknown actors. Their main focus was on maintaining continuity rather than seeking novelty.

Ian Cardoni, a Boston-based actor, gained recognition primarily for his voice over work. Prior to his portrayal of Rick Sanchez in season 7 of Rick and Morty, he served as the narrator for WrestleMania 37 and 36. Additionally, he held minor roles in the television series Dead of Night, the TV movie Clear History, and Grown Ups. Cardoni's rendition of Rick in episode 1 of Rick and Morty season 7 is particularly noteworthy for its comedic brilliance. The actor delivers an astonishing impression that closely resembles Roiland's portrayal of the character. It should be noted that Cardoni's interpretation of the egotistical antihero does not feature the same level of speech slurring as the earlier seasons.

However, in recent seasons, Roiland has relied less and less on this trait in his portrayal of Rick, making Cardoni's version of the character almost indistinguishable from season 6 Rick. This is a crucial element, as the plot of "How Poopy Got His Poop Back" brings Rick back together with his friends Squanchy, Birdperson, Gearhead, and Mr. Poopybutthole, resulting in an episode that is more immersed in the show's lore than viewers may have expected. Cardoni is thrown into the deep end with an episode filled with returning characters, but he demonstrates that Roiland's departure is exactly what Rick and Morty season 7 needed, delivering a strong debut for the updated character.

Harry Belden's Previous Roles Before Morty Smith

In a surprising casting twist, Rick and Morty will now have separate voice actors. The episode titled "How Poopy Got His Poop Back" introduces Harry Belden as the new voice of Morty. Familiar to audiences from his role as a security guard in Joe Pera Talks With You, Belden has also appeared in notable shows like Chicago Med and Proven Innocent. However, his most significant role prior to Rick and Morty season 7 was as Will in the TV movie Christmas... Again?! Meanwhile, the actor voicing Rick, whose identity remains unknown, commands a considerable amount of screen time in the premiere.

How Ian Cardoni & Harry Belden's Rick & Morty Voices Compare To Justin Roiland

Rick and Morty season 7 openly acknowledges Roiland's departure but chooses to limit Morty's screen time in "How Poopy Got His Poop Back." This decision is sensible, allowing viewers to adjust to each new voice gradually rather than replacing both main characters abruptly. However, Belden's Morty does have a few lines in this episode and closely resembles the original portrayal. Both voice actors display impressive imitation skills, but Cardoni's impression receives more emphasis in episode 1.

In "How Poopy Got His Poop Back," Rick plays a larger role and resembles the later-season version rather than the earlier, more unstable hero from the first two seasons. While this smooth transition between voice actors is notable, it may be seen as a missed opportunity for the series. The post-credits scene in episode 1 hints at a return to the earlier, wackier and more lighthearted tone of the show. However, Rick's new voice actor maintaining the late-season persona indicates that Rick and Morty season 7 is not yet prepared for a complete shift in tone.