Rick and Morty remains perhaps the most popular animated series on television today, but this January saw the series embroiled in very real controversy.
Co-creator and lead voice star Justin Roiland was charged with domestic violence, and while those charges were dismissed a couple of months later, the damage had been done. Between revealing exposés about his conduct behind the scenes and a series of offensive comments made in the past, it was clear Adult Swim wasn't going to bring the actor back into the fold after previously firing him from the show.
Rick and Morty returned to Comic-Con yesterday, but there was a lot of uncertainty among fans about what the future of this series looks like without the man who brings the title characters - along with countless others - to life in such a unique manner.
While no casting news was revealed, executive producer Steven Levy still shared a big update with fans.
"We are closing in on the end of our process of the recast, but I do want to say it’s gonna be great," he teased. "I am thoroughly impressed with everything that’s going on, including all the work on season 7. Truly, that’s the thing I don’t want to be overshadowed. The show is as good as it’s ever been."
When the panel opened to questions, Levy was asked if Rick and Morty will, well, still sound like Rick and Morty when the show returns.
"It’s sound-alikes," he confirmed. "The characters are the same characters. No change." That answer was met with thunderous applause, so it will be interesting to see who is going to fill in for Roiland (we're certainly hoping they're not heading down the AI route).
TikToker SeanKellySays remains a fan-favourite suggestion to take over, so that's a possibility but nothing has been officially announced quite yet.
In Solar Opposites, Dan Stevens has replaced Roiland as Korvo, delivering a completely new spin on the character. When it comes to Rick and Morty, it appears it will be business as usual.
Season 7 doesn't currently have a confirmed premiere date but is expected to hit later this year.