The Perfect Pick: Dream Casting Rick Sanchez in an Epic Live-Action Rick & Morty Remake

Summary

A Rick and Morty live-action adaptation may never happen, but there are a few actors who would make for a perfect Rick Sanchez.

Bill Hader or Ben Stiller would excel in the portrayal of Rick in a live-action adaptation, showcasing his complex character. To successfully capture Rick's personality, a live-action Rick and Morty adaptation should encompass both comedy and drama, as well as exploring the tragic dimensions of Rick's persona.

Although a live-action adaptation of Rick and Morty may never come to fruition, there are numerous options available should the creators choose to recast Rick Sanchez. Rick, the central character of Adult Swim's immensely popular sci-fi comedy, possesses a multifaceted personality. Known for his zany catchphrases and chaotic escapades, Rick maintains an undercurrent of pathos beneath his seemingly apathetic facade. As subsequent seasons of Rick and Morty delve deeper into his character, it becomes evident that Rick conceals a profound level of pain, as evidenced by the revelations of his tragic backstory and his persistent attempts to manipulate Morty.

Due to the complexity of Rick's character, it will undoubtedly be a challenge to recast him for the seventh season of Rick and Morty. Justin Roiland, the original voice actor for Rick, was dismissed from the show in January 2023 following allegations of domestic battery. As of now, no replacement for Roiland has been announced. However, during a presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, Rick and Morty's executive producer did mention that they would seek soundalike actors to ensure a seamless transition. Nevertheless, if a live-action adaptation of Rick and Morty were to be staged, it would be unadvisable to opt for the predictable route of casting a popular choice like Christopher Lloyd or Robert Downey Jr.

10 Bill Hader

Bill Hader, an entertainer who has captivated audiences for decades, has recently emerged as a formidable dramatic actor. His talent for blending frenetic comedy with subtle emotional depth was showcased in Barry, the critically acclaimed HBO series that concluded its self-aware fourth season. Given Hader's remarkable versatility, he could bring a dynamic presence to Rick and Morty's seventh season with a live-action portrayal of Rick. Prior to his standout performance in Barry, Hader demonstrated his ability to seamlessly intertwine comedic relief and compelling character development within the fantastical realm of 2019's IT: Chapter Two.

9 Ben Stiller

In his extensive career, Ben Stiller has showcased his versatility by portraying a multitude of insufferable geniuses. This makes him a fitting choice to embody the complex and enigmatic character of Rick, the renowned scientist in the popular animated series Rick and Morty. Although Stiller is not typically associated with portraying slick antiheroes like Rick, his previous roles as Mr. Furious in Mystery Men, Greg Focker in the Meet the Parents franchise, and the titular antihero in Greenberg highlight his ability to bring unlikely and neurotic protagonists to life with surprising empathy. Hence, Stiller would be an excellent fit for the role of Rick.

8 Christoph Waltz

Tarantino’s frequent collaborator Christoph Waltz has excelled in captivating, delightful anti-villain roles throughout his illustrious career. Waltz’s breakthrough performance as the disarming and amusing Hans Landa in Inglorious Basterds showcased his exceptional talent in portraying even the most monstrous of villains with charm and charisma. In the context of Rick and Morty, although Roiland's recasting may not be concealable, the show has the potential to captivate viewers with a live-action adaptation that showcases Waltz at the peak of his comedic prowess in the role of Rick.

7 Peter Capaldi

Peter Capaldi stands out among the other actors listed here. His previous portrayal of Doctor Who, the indomitable and cool-headed science fiction protagonist often compared to Rick, gives him an edge. Unlike the more energetic David Tennant, Capaldi brought a certain subtle self-hatred to the character of Doctor Who, akin to Rick's darker and more reflective moments. Considering these qualities, Capaldi would be an excellent choice to portray a live-action version of Rick alongside Morty.

6 Sam Rockwell

Sam Rockwell has established himself as a prominent figure in the realm of live-action sci-fi comedy, having garnered recognition for his roles in beloved cult classics such as Galaxy Quest and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy early on in his career. Additionally, Rockwell has showcased his aptitude for portraying black comic antiheroes in the underrated film Seven Psychopaths. While it is evident that Rockwell possesses the perfect dose of chaotic energy required for the character Rick, his more recent dramatic performances have further demonstrated his ability to effectively capture the tragic aspect of the character as well.

5 Ted Danson

While Kelsey Grammar has portrayed numerous arrogant and self-destructive antiheroes, he is unable to take on the role of the lead character in Rick and Morty's upcoming revival. This is where his former Cheers co-star comes into the picture. Ted Danson, known for his role as Michael in The Good Place, has had the perfect opportunity to showcase his potential for playing a charismatic yet morally ambiguous character. If Danson was able to make a literal demon lovable, he surely has the potential to redeem Rick in a live-action adaptation.

4 Jim Carrey

Iconic comedic actor Jim Carrey has honed his craft, effortlessly transitioning between serious dramatic moments and exuberant goofiness for decades now. In recent years, Carrey has elevated his ability to strike the perfect balance, proving that he is a master at capturing the essence of characters. His extensive experience in comedic roles such as My, Myself, and Irene, the Ace Ventura movies, and The Cable Guy only serves to highlight his capacity to embody Rick's anarchic persona. Moreover, Carrey's exceptional performances in Kidding and I Love You Philip Morris showcase his incredible depth and versatility, making him the ideal choice for the actor who will portray Rick, both in terms of his humor and humanity.

3 Jason Mantzoukas

Although Jason Mantzoukas may be slightly younger than the other actors mentioned, his limitless energy and fierce intensity make him the perfect candidate to bring Rick to life in a live-action adaptation. While the majority of Rick and Morty episodes primarily revolve around the Smith family's offbeat humor, Mantzoukas has the ability to capture Rick's sporadic moments of introspection while also flawlessly embodying his wild and unpredictable nature. While his selection may be riskier compared to other contenders, this Big Mouth star would undeniably be a fantastic choice.

2 Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe perfectly captures the ideal combination of wicked malevolence and endearing humor as Rick, as evident in his diverse range of roles from The Lighthouse to American Psycho, and even Spiderman to the otherwise ill-fated 2017 Death Note adaptation. Despite the numerous missteps of the anime adaptation, Dafoe's captivating portrayal of Ryuk strikes the delicate balance between menace and delightful absurdity crucial to Rick's character. Furthermore, Dafoe's animatedly unpredictable mannerisms effortlessly transition Rick and Morty's animated essence into live-action, without compromising the inherent charm of the beloved character.

1 Steve Buscemi

Steve Buscemi has earned a reputation similar to Willem Dafoe and Christoph Waltz for playing characters who unexpectedly assume the role of heroes. Rick, the antihero in Rick and Morty, perfectly embodies this archetype, and Buscemi would be a great fit to portray his distinctive blend of edgy energy, veiled menace, and unconventional charm. Although the decision to recast Justin Roiland's characters in Rick and Morty might generate uncertainty about the show's future, it also presents an opportunity for the creators to venture into live-action episodes. If this path is pursued, Steve Buscemi would undoubtedly be an excellent choice to portray the leading man of Rick and Morty, both as Rick and Morty themselves.