It’s not just another season. The iconic interdimensional duo, Rick and Morty, have returned to our screens with fresh voices and exciting adventures that promise to intrigue old fans and captivate new ones.
The Curious Case of Changing Voices
Up until this season, both Rick, the often-incoherent mad scientist, and Morty, his ever-exasperated grandson, had their quirky lines delivered by the same voice – that of the show’s co-creator, Justin Roiland. However, this season ushered in an unexpected change, replacing the familiar with a touch of newness.
After the release of the gripping series trailer, fans across the globe started speculating. Whose voices were those? Why did they sound so distinct, yet strangely familiar? The answers soon followed: Ian Cardoni assumed the role of Rick, while Harry Belden breathed life into Morty.
Meet the New Voices
Ian Cardoni, known for voicing promos for the wrestling behemoth WWE and the tech giant’s streaming service Apple TV, brings a unique depth to Rick’s character. His voice resonates with the mad genius, the whimsicality, and the undercurrent of emotion that defines Rick Sanchez.
On the other hand, Harry Belden, with his acting credits in Joe Pera Talks With You and the popular medical drama Chicago Med, brings a fresh yet familiar sound to Morty. The nuances, the ever-present confusion juxtaposed with moments of clarity, remain intact, thanks to Belden’s skillful voice acting.
Special Appearances and Adventures
It’s not just the main characters that are drawing attention this season. The premiere episode saw the X-Men Wolverine actor, Hugh Jackman, make a stellar guest appearance. With Rick and Morty seeking Jackman’s assistance for a uniquely hilarious predicament involving an unwanted house guest named Poopy, the episode set the tone for a season packed with surprises.
A Seamless Transition Amidst Controversy
Justin Roiland, while having been an integral part of the show since its inception, parted ways under a cloud of controversy. Accused of domestic violence, charges that were later dropped, his exit left many fans wondering about the show’s future direction.
Addressing this sensitive issue, Scott Marder, who spearheaded the search for the replacement voices, remarked to The Hollywood Reporter: “The aim was always to ensure that viewers receive the consistent experience they’ve cherished across seasons.”
Reception and Fan Reactions
As with any significant change to a beloved show, the reception to the new voices has been a mixed bag. Social media platforms, especially Twitter, are buzzing with reactions. Some fans appreciate the seamless transition, like one who tweeted, “The new voices of Rick and Morty are on point. Eagerly awaiting the rest of Season 7.” Others, however, have described the new voiceovers as “peculiar,” reflecting the natural resistance to change.
The Legacy of Voice Acting in Animation
In the realm of animation, voice acting has played a pivotal role in bringing characters to life. Think of Apple Inc. and their animated advertisements or the iconic characters of Hollywood, Los Angeles – the voice behind the animation often becomes as integral as the design itself.
Rick and Morty has been unique in this respect. Until Season 7, both protagonists were voiced by the multi-talented Justin Roiland. This dual-role performance showcased Roiland’s incredible vocal range and adaptability, making Rick’s maniacal genius and Morty’s nervous innocence stand out. But change is the only constant, and Season 7 heralds a new era.
The New Voices Behind the Legends
When news broke out about a potential change in voice actors, the fanbase was aflutter with speculation. Social media platforms, especially Twitter, became a hotbed for discussion, with fans analyzing the series trailer to identify the new voices.
And then came the revelation: Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden.
Cardoni, already renowned for his work with entities such as WWE and Apple TV, has taken the mantle of the mad scientist, Rick. On the other hand, Belden, with acting experiences that ranged from quirky shows like Joe Pera Talks With You to the intense drama of Chicago Med, became the new voice of Morty.
Special Appearances & Crossovers
What makes Rick and Morty a perennial favorite is its seamless integration of pop culture references. The seventh season took it up a notch with Hugh Jackman‘s guest appearance. Jackman, famously known as Wolverine in the X-Men series, brought an added flair to the show, proving once again that Rick and Morty knows no bounds in blending the bizarre with the brilliant.
The Science and Madness Behind the Characters
Mad scientists have been a staple in literature and entertainment. The trope of a genius whose brilliance teeters on the edge of insanity has fascinated audiences for ages. Rick, with his unquenchable thirst for interdimensional adventure and often questionable ethics, fits the bill perfectly.
This season, the dynamics of this ‘mad scientist’ are even more pronounced. The events leading up to this season, coupled with the nuances brought in by Cardoni’s voice acting, makes Rick’s character arc one of the most intriguing aspects of Season 7.
Controversy & The Show’s Ethical Stand
The entertainment industry is no stranger to controversy, and Hollywood, Los Angeles, has seen its fair share. Justin Roiland’s exit from the show, owing to personal controversies, sparked debates among fans and critics alike. The show’s creators faced the daunting task of ensuring that the change was smooth, preserving the essence of the characters while standing firm on ethical grounds. The decision to replace Roiland, especially after the charges were dropped, reflects the show’s commitment to social responsibility.
Reception & The Power of Social Media
In today’s digital age, shows aren’t just confined to TV screens. Platforms like Twitter become echo chambers of fan reactions, critiques, and memes. Season 7 of Rick and Morty has been no exception. Feedback on the new voices ranged from admiration to skepticism. Some fans appreciated the fresh take on beloved characters, while others yearned for the familiar cadences of Roiland’s voice.
One thing is clear: the show remains a major talking point, not just because of its content, but also due to the interactions and discussions it fosters on social media platforms.
Future of Rick and Morty
With seven seasons under its belt, where does Rick and Morty go from here? The show has never shied away from pushing boundaries. Be it through its satirical take on societal issues, its foray into the philosophical, or its unapologetic approach to humor and violence.
The integration of new voices offers a plethora of possibilities. Can fans expect a deeper dive into Morty’s psyche, especially given the events of the past seasons? Will Rick’s character evolve, reflecting the subtle changes brought about by a new voice actor?
Conclusion
Rick and Morty Season 7 has started on a note of change and promise. As the episodes unfold, fans worldwide will undoubtedly tune in, debate, discuss, and most importantly, enjoy the roller-coaster ride that this show consistently delivers.