Summary
Actors like Jaeden Martell, Jacob Tremblay, and Asa Butterfield could play Morty in a live-action Rick and Morty adaptation.
These actors possess the skill to portray Morty's transformation from a nervous and passive individual to a self-assured and autonomous one.
Their versatility and aptitude make them well-suited to depict the intricate and frequently somber comedic elements of Rick and Morty.
In the event of a live-action adaptation of Rick and Morty, it is worth exploring suitable actors to portray Morty Smith. Since its debut in 2013, the show has gained a dedicated fanbase, accumulating billions of streams over the past decade. Given the sizable audience and potential for revenue, it would be logical for Warner Bros. Discovery to capitalize on Rick and Morty's popularity by expanding its content with a live-action version.
Adult Swim has already shown interest in a potential live-action series, releasing teaser clips on Twitter in 2021 featuring Christopher Lloyd and Jaeden Martell as live-action versions of Rick and Morty. Although these clips served as marketing for the season 5 finale, it prompts consideration for the ideal actor to portray the anxious and submissive Morty, who endures both suffering and wild adventures orchestrated by his grandfather. Throughout the series, Morty has developed into a more confident young man, capable of standing up to his irresponsible grandfather. Thankfully, numerous actors could be excellently suited for the role of Morty Smith in a live-action adaptation of Rick and Morty.
9 Jaeden Martell
Jaeden Martell's portrayal of young Bill Denbrough in It has undoubtedly become his most recognizable role. As the unspoken leader of the Losers Club, Bill courageously confronts Pennywise, the terrifying clown. Martell skillfully embodies both the timid and stuttering young man who triumphantly overcomes his fears and stands up to the menacing clown. This same journey of personal growth is mirrored in the character of Morty from Rick and Morty. Furthermore, Martell has already given a glimpse of his interpretation of Morty's appearance and voice in the Adult Swim clip.
8 Jacob Tremblay
Jacob Tremblay, a remarkable young actor, has delivered exceptional performances in acclaimed movies such as Wonder and Room, earning him prestigious awards. Tremblay exhibits versatility by effortlessly portraying the timid and ostracized Morty Smith, while simultaneously portraying the character's transformation into a resilient and independent individual. Additionally, his experience in lending his voice to animated films, notably Luca, enables him to skillfully embody Morty's distinctive voice through higher pitches and nervous inflections, seamlessly bridging the gap between animation and live-action.
7 Asa Butterfield
6 Noah Schnapp
Asa Butterfield's reputation among audiences stems from his adeptness at portraying peculiar and uneasy characters, exemplified by his role as Otis in Sex Education. Alongside his uncanny talent for conveying unconventional facial expressions, Butterfield possesses all the necessary attributes to deliver a commendable performance as Morty Smith. Whether stumbling awkwardly over his words in the presence of Morty's romantic interest, Jessica or wholeheartedly succumbing to the uncomfortable and perplexing instructions of his grandfather Rick, Butterfield's portrayal of these characters demonstrates his versatility. Drawing parallels between Otis' moments of personal growth in Sex Education and Morty's journey, Butterfield's suitability for the role becomes evident.
In Stranger Things, Noah Schnapp's character, Will Byers, is a central figure who consistently showcases his talent for portraying an awkward and anxious young man striving to find his place. Additionally, Schnapp's portrayal of Will's connection to the sinister Mind Flayer reveals a darker side to his acting skills, which could be aptly utilized if he were to take on the role of the malevolent Morty in a live-action rendition of the Rick and Morty series. Schnapp's versatility and aptitude make the prospect of him playing Morty in his own series truly remarkable.
5 Wyatt Oleff
Wyatt Oleff's versatility shines through in his acting career. He effortlessly portrays both an awkward and constantly scared young man, as seen in his role as young Stanley Uris in It, and a confident and strong character in I Am Not Okay With This. This range makes him the perfect choice for playing multiversal Mortys. Oleff's acting abilities allow for Morty's character to undergo an arc, evolving from dependence on his grandpa to becoming independent. He has the ability to bring the awkward and overwhelmed Morty to life, while also delivering a credible performance as the mature and assertive version of the character. Oleff's past standout roles, such as playing a young Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy and Rumpelstiltskin in Once Upon a Time, demonstrate his capability to convey sadness, loss, and even a dark side if the character of evil Morty were to be included.
4 Gaten Matarazzo
Gaten Matarazzo, known for his role as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things, portrays a lively and clever kid who often daydreams. However, Matarazzo's talents reach beyond television, as he has also showcased his acting skills on Broadway in renowned productions such as Sweeney Todd and Les Misérables. With his impressive range, Matarazzo could potentially bring depth to the character of Morty, transforming him from a subdued individual constantly in peril due to his grandfather's inaction, to a resolute and self-assured persona. Such development would also prove beneficial if the malevolent Morty were to be included in a live-action adaptation.
3 August Maturo
Young actor August Maturo was a hit in the Disney series Girl Meets World before transitioning into starring roles in numerous horror films. The seamless transition between lighthearted and dark subject matter is a common occurrence in the popular show Rick and Morty. Maturo, having prepared himself to excel in both humorous and intense roles, would easily adapt to a dynamic character like this. Moreover, he earned an award for his outstanding performance in Slapface, demonstrating his ability to portray the range and growth necessary for an authentic live-action portrayal of Morty's story arc.
2 Mace Coronel
Similar to many other young actors, Mace Coronel gained valuable experience in children's television shows, honing his skills as a comedic performer. Recently, he showcased his talent in That 90's Show, portraying Jay, the not-so-bright offspring of Kelso and Jackie. Demonstrating his adeptness at portraying foolish characters, Coronel's abilities would make him an excellent fit for the role of Morty. Furthermore, his involvement in That 90's Show has prepared him to take on slightly more mature roles, incorporating adult humor, which is a fundamental element of the entire Rick and Morty franchise.
1 Noah Jupe
Noah Jupe, a talented actor known for his roles in The Quiet Place, The Night Manager, and the critically acclaimed Honey Boy, delivers a remarkably powerful performance. With his darker and more mature background, Jupe is poised to take on the role of Morty and embrace the dark and twisted adventures that often unfold with Rick. Displaying immense talent and versatility, Jupe effortlessly embodies the twisted humor that has become synonymous with Rick and Morty.