After an extensive six-month search, Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden have been chosen as the new voices of Rick and Morty in the hit animated show’s season seven premiere. The decision to cast new actors came after co-creator Justin Roiland, who had previously voiced both characters, was fired and faced allegations of domestic violence and other troubling behavior. Showrunner Scott Marder and co-creator Dan Harmon wanted to make the transition as seamless as possible for viewers, ensuring that they wouldn’t notice a difference in the beloved characters.
The casting process was intensive, with thousands of voice actors considered over the course of six months. Marder explained that they wanted to find the perfect fit for both Rick and Morty, as well as someone who could handle the workload required for both characters. It was a challenging process, with many actors coming close to capturing the essence of the characters but ultimately falling short.
Cardoni and Belden, both relative newcomers to voiceover work, were eventually chosen for the roles. Marder initially heard Cardoni early on in the search and noticed flashes of Rick in his performance. Belden was discovered later in the process and also stood out to Marder. Both actors underwent a rigorous audition process, being brought back multiple times to test their stamina and ability to stay in character.
The search for new actors was open to recommendations and open casting calls, resulting in thousands of auditionees. Marder and Harmon were determined to find the perfect voices for Rick and Morty, even considering actors from different countries if necessary. The goal was to maintain the show’s consistent tone and writing style, ensuring that the new voices would seamlessly fit into future seasons.
Harmon purposely avoided getting involved in the casting process until the end, wanting to maintain objectivity and ensure that the actors were chosen solely based on their performances. He met Cardoni and Belden after they were selected and was impressed by their talent and enthusiasm for the show.
With the new actors in place, the show creators are excited about the future of Rick and Morty. They believe that Cardoni and Belden bring a fresh energy and perspective to the characters, extending the show’s lifespan for many more years. The actors are eager to take on the challenge and work hard to deliver the same quality performances that fans have come to love.
In conclusion, the extensive search for new actors to voice Rick and Morty has resulted in the selection of Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden. Showrunners Scott Marder and Dan Harmon are confident that the new voices will seamlessly integrate into the show and provide a new dynamic for the characters. With their talent and enthusiasm, Cardoni and Belden are poised to bring Rick and Morty to new heights in future seasons.