Adult Swim fired Justin Roiland from Rick and Morty by Adult Swim following a series of serious sexual misconduct allegations. While the show's co-creator and lead star didn't face any legal charges, the damage was done and the network chose to part ways with its Rick and Morty.
Roiland continues to maintain his innocence, but the decision was made, and there was a very real risk for a time that the show might be cancelled (primarily because he lent his voice to both the leads and countless other supporting characters).
Soundalikes were eventually cast, with Ian Cardoni revealed as Rick and Harry Belden confirmed to be playing Morty at the end of the season 7 premiere.
Fans seem to agree that they've both found their footing in recent weeks, particularly after last Sunday's incredible episode, "Unmortricken" (which featured the returns of Evil Morty and Rick Prime). Now, Cardoni and Belden have finally broken their silence on landing these iconic roles in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter (via SFFGazette.com).
"'I got to jump on this,'" Belden says of his reaction to learning these roles were up for grabs. "I emailed my agent and said, 'If you got any requests for this Rick and Morty thing, I do a decent Rick and Morty, so I’d love to be considered and to send them my stuff.'"
"I think like most fans, I had done impressions of Rick and Morty for fun with my friends," he continues. "And over time, I guess I was doing it enough that it turned into something that I thought I could really do. Ian and I have laughed because I thought my Rick was a lot stronger than my Morty, which shows how much I know."
Cardoni adds, "I already had an impression reel that I had given to my managers that included Rick and Morty voices. But as Harry mentioned, it was, 'Wow, this could be a big opportunity, I think I could do these voices.' I thought during the audition process that my Morty was getting stronger. So, during the process, we were both up for both."
Inevitably, there have been those who can't accept the two actors/soundalikes as the new Rick and Morty. Roiland's madcap approach to both characters was undeniably unique and, as great as Cardoni and Belden have been, there may well be a little something that's still missing.
Asked by the trade whether they've paid any attention to what fans are saying, Cardoni explains, "I try to avoid that. My focus has been on doing the best voice I can. I avoid going down any rabbit holes online. As a fan, I know this show touches people worldwide, and the characters mean a lot to the fans. I share that love of the show and care for the character. Wanting to be my best Rick is with me every time I record."
Belden agrees with that sentiment. "I’m not allowed to look at the online comments. My girlfriend won’t let me,'" he admits. "So, I’ve had blinders on through this whole process. I completely understand people being nervous. Change is scary, especially with something so iconic that many people love. But nobody is going to be a harsher critic than yourself. So, I’m striving to be the best Morty I can be."
They'd sign off by thanking those who have supported them joining Rick and Morty and it's clear they're both superfans who have landed the roles of a lifetime.
You can watch a newly released clip from last week's standout episode in the player below.