Unexpected Twists: Inside the Transformative Shakeup of Rick & Morty Season 7's Cast

Summary

Rick and Morty decided not to hire a famous celebrity to replace Justin Roiland's voice, as it could have potentially killed the show.

In a departure from the norm, Solar Opposites opted to bring in renowned actor Dan Stevens to take on the role of Korvo, effectively replacing Roiland.

Rick and Morty, on the other hand, made a wise decision by recruiting voice actors who could emulate the voices of Rick and Morty, thereby maintaining the convincing illusion of the characters' authenticity.

Co-creator Dan Harmon discusses why Rick & Morty season 7 diverged from Solar Opposites in terms of finding a replacement for Justin Roiland. Roiland not only co-created both animated sci-fi comedies but also served as a primary voice actor. Consequently, both shows faced the challenge of filling his role after he was dismissed due to allegations of sexual misconduct. Solar Opposites took a bold approach by enlisting renowned actor Dan Stevens as a replacement, whereas Rick and Morty opted to recruit multiple lesser-known voice actors to portray the characters previously voiced by their ousted co-creator.

Roiland's decision to recast the voices of Rick and Morty in season 7 is now evident for viewers of Adult Swim. Harmon has provided an explanation as to why the show chose not to follow the same path as Solar Opposites in bringing in new voice talent. According to Harmon, replacing Roiland with a well-known celebrity (such as Elijah Wood, for example) might have jeopardized the future of the show. Harmon dismissed the idea of celebrities expressing interest in taking on the roles, stating that it may have been briefly considered during a time of uncertainty but ultimately would have diminished the show's chances of survival.

Rick and Morty Did the Right Thing By Hiring Soundalikes

Recasting Korvo in Solar Opposites with Downton Abbey star Stevens was a strategic move to address Roiland's departure. This decision proved successful because Korvo is not a recognizable animated character with a unique voice. On the other hand, Rick and Morty are iconic animated characters with distinct voices that are known by millions. It would have been risky to cast a celebrity in those roles, as it would have seemed inconsistent and desperate, risking the show's popularity.

Harmon has previously explained his decision to hire different actors for Rick and Morty, as he wanted to maintain the illusion of the characters being real. While Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden, the soundalikes brought in for Rick and Morty, may not possess the same improvisational prowess as Roiland, they have successfully captured the essence of the characters' voices. The transition from Roiland to the new actors has been relatively smooth, as evident from the first episode of season 7. Thus, Rick & Morty made the correct choice in how they approached the recasting.

Source: THR