Justin Roiland was fired from Rick and Morty by Adult Swim following a series of damning allegations regarding sexual misconduct. At the time it happened, there was a very real risk that the show might be cancelled, particularly as the actor lent his voice to Rick, Morty, and countless other supporting characters.
The decision was ultimately made to use soundalikes, 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 broken their silence on landing these iconic roles in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
"'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 adds. "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 is perhaps still a little something missing.
Asked by the trade whether they've paid any attention to that, Cardoni says: "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.
Here's a newly released clip from last week's standout episode: