Summary
The newRick and Mortyvoice actors were revealed as the show debuted its 7th season on Adult Swim. Much to fans' relief, they sound virtually identical to how they’ve always had, just (presumably) without the baggage. But who exactly is behind the new sound?
After a slew of abuse allegations came out regardingRick and Mortyseries co-creator Justin Roiland, it was quickly announced that the show would cut ties with him andRick and Mortywould recast its lead roles. That was less than a year ago, and the new season has already managed to come out on schedule, with Roiland’s replacements pulling their weight. One might think the series would have difficulty finding people to recreate such distinct character voices. But one may also underestimate just how versatile the people in the voice acting community can be.
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As pointed out byDeadline,Rick and Mortyseason 7 managed to nab some excellent newcomers to take up the mantle. Mad scientist and regular cautionary tale Rick Sanchez is now played byClear History’s Ian Cardoni. His neurotic yet oddly romantically prolific grandson Morty Smith is covered byChristmas Again’s Harry Belden. As those who saw the premiere or just the trailer forRick and Mortyseason 7 have already found out, the duo has quickly proven to be perfectly snug fits in their new roles. But where else might fans know them from?
In a rather refreshing move, both actorsreplacing Roiland onRick and Mortyin the wake of the allegations are relatively unknown in the field, as opposed to the regular practice these days of finding celebrities who sound vaguely like what they’re going for. But that doesn’t mean they haven’t already cut their teeth in the industry. Wrestling fans may already be familiar with Cardoni due to his appearances atWrestlemania 36andWrestlemania 37as a now infamous narrator impersonating Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow from thePirates of the Caribbeanmovies. Funnily enough, listening to those appearances, it’s pretty easy to hear some Rick in his voice.
As for Belden, he’s been seen in one-off appearances on several shows over the past few years. This includesJoe Pera Talks with You,Chicago Med,Proven Innocent,and his role as Will in Disney’sChristmas Againfrom 2021. Along with Cardoni as Rick, he’s proven to be a fantastic fit as Morty, capturing the character’s trademark nervous nature to a T. In this show, where the titular duo regularly goes on adventures through time, space, and dimensions with often disastrous and dark consequences, the versatility brought forth by both actors will be welcome.
There’s still a while beforeRick and Mortyreaches the end, so Cardoni and Belden have plenty of time to continue proving to fans why they deserve to stick around. Some fans may be spiteful over the minor differences between the new performances and Roiland’s. But it will always be worth whatever change is required to show abuse victims that they’re being heard and believed while giving them the justice and closure they deserve. Here’s hoping any fans on the fence can come around soon enough as they see just Cardoni and Belden can bring to the table.
Rick and Mortyairs new episodes on Sundays on Cartoon Network.
