Rick and Morty Season 7 debuts new voices amid controversy

The highly-anticipated Season 7 premiere of Rick and Morty on Sunday, October 15, brought with it a significant change in the show's dynamic. Adult Swim unveiled the new voices behind the iconic characters, Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith, marking the end of Justin Roiland's tenure as the original voice of the duo.

In a search that spanned nearly six months and involved a multitude of candidates, Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden emerged as the chosen voices for the charismatic but narcissistic Rick and his lovable yet bumbling grandson Morty. This transition comes as the show's co-creator, Justin Roiland, was let go following allegations of domestic violence, which caused a ripple effect in Hollywood.

Scott Marder, the show's runner, spearheaded the casting process with the clear objective of making the change as seamless as possible. The goal was to ensure that both viewers who were aware of the behind-the-scenes drama and those who were not could hardly notice any difference in the beloved characters. The decision to use two voices rather than one for both Rick and Morty was seen by Marder and co-creator Dan Harmon as a means to extend the show's lifespan.

Ian Cardoni, hailing from the Boston area and an alumnus of Emerson College, brings his talent to the table after appearances in projects like Larry David's "Clear History" and voice work for Syfy's "Resident Alien," WWE, and Apple TV+. On the other hand, Harry Belden, a native of Chicago and a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has honed his skills at the Second City Training Center. He has also featured in shows such as Adult Swim's "Joe Pera Talks With You," Fox's "Proven Innocent," and NBC's "Chicago Med." Notably, both actors have refrained from conducting interviews, as they are respecting the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.

The Season 7 premiere not only marked a fresh start for the hit animated series but also a turning point in its history. Fans had varying reactions to the new voices, with some expressing reservations that the newcomers might not live up to the legacy of the original characters. However, others lauded Cardoni and Belden for their performances, expressing confidence that they would do justice to Rick and Morty. As this new chapter unfolds, viewers can expect an exciting and evolving experience from the beloved show.