Ian Cardoni And Harry Belden Are Set To Be The Voices Of Rick And Morty Respectively

In a surprising turn of events, the popular animated series “Rick and Morty” introduced its new voice actors in the Season 7 premiere. Fans had eagerly anticipated this moment since the release of the series trailer in September. After the first episode of the new season aired on Sunday, viewers finally discovered that Ian Cardoni now lends his voice to Rick, while Harry Belden portrays Morty. This dynamic duo replaces the previous voice actor, co-creator Justin Roiland, who left the show following allegations of domestic violence. Let’s dive into the world of Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden, the fresh voices behind our beloved characters, in this exciting transition.

The Search for New Voices

The decision to find new voices for Rick and Morty was a lengthy and meticulous process. Showrunner Scott Marder revealed that the casting search spanned six months and involved hearing thousands of potential actors. Marder shared his perspective with The Hollywood Reporter, explaining, “It was harder than we thought. I thought it’d have been easier. Rick was a lot harder than I expected; everyone sounded like Macho Man Randy Savage or like a cousin of his. No one sounded exactly like Rick. It was tricky. People had it in splashes, but once you bring them back in, they couldn’t do it conversationally, which is what we needed. It was exhaustive.”

Introducing Ian Cardoni

Ian Cardoni brings his unique voice to the character of Rick. He describes himself as a “history and sci-fi buff” and a “shameless foodie,” as seen on his Instagram bio. Raised in the outskirts of Boston, Massachusetts, Cardoni now resides in Los Angeles with his wife, according to IMDb. His excitement about the new role was evident when he took to Instagram to share the news with his followers, expressing, “Excited. Grateful. Schwifty.”

Meet Harry Belden

Harry Belden, who embodies Morty’s character, hails from Chicago, Illinois. He developed a passion for performing and superheroes from a young age. Belden’s website shares that he dressed as a different superhero every day of his life until his teachers insisted he adhere to a dress code. To continue his love for costumes and pretending to be someone else, he decided to pursue acting professionally. Belden holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and has appeared in various commercials and television dramas, including roles in shows like “Chicago Med” and “Chicago Fire.”

Justin Roiland’s Departure

The departure of Justin Roiland, who originally voiced both Rick and Morty, was due to allegations of domestic violence. In January 2023, Roiland faced multiple counts of domestic abuse charges. In a brief statement to Newsweek, Marie Moore, senior vice president of communications at Warner Media, confirmed, “Adult Swim has ended its association with Justin Roiland.” Roiland later pleaded not guilty at a pre-trial, and the charges were eventually dropped in March 2023. Roiland addressed the case’s dismissal on social media, expressing his gratitude but also mentioning the impact of the allegations on his personal life.

An Exclusive Interview with Dan Harmon and Scott Marder

In an exclusive interview, co-creator Dan Harmon and showrunner Scott Marder shared insights into the process of replacing Justin Roiland with newcomers Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden. The goal was to make the transition as seamless as possible, ensuring that fans could continue enjoying the series without disruptions. The decision to have two different actors for Rick and Morty aimed to maintain the show’s authenticity and provide a consistent experience for viewers.

The Transition to New Voices

The casting process was an extensive undertaking, involving thousands of potential actors over six months. The search was comprehensive, as they wanted to find the perfect fit for the characters of Rick and Morty. The voices of Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden had to align with the show’s existing characters, preserving the authenticity fans had come to love.

A Fresh Perspective on the Characters

Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden, relative newcomers in the voiceover industry, have already made their mark. Their voices closely resemble those of the original characters, ensuring a seamless transition for viewers. As they become more comfortable with their roles, they may add unique elements to their characters, further enhancing the viewer experience.

Maintaining the Essence of the Show

The creators made it their mission to maintain the essence of “Rick and Morty” while introducing new voices. Their dedication to the series and the hard work of the entire team has resulted in what they believe may be one of the best seasons yet. Fans can look forward to more exciting adventures with Rick and Morty and their new voices.

A Bright Future for “Rick and Morty”

With Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden taking the helm as the voices of Rick and Morty, the show’s future looks promising. Their enthusiasm and dedication are sure to breathe new life into the beloved characters, offering fans an exciting and enjoyable viewing experience. As the series continues, viewers can expect the same captivating stories and dynamic humor that have made “Rick and Morty” a fan favorite for years.

Conclusion

The transition to new voices for Rick and Morty has been a significant milestone in the show’s history. Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden bring their own unique flair to the characters, while the creators have worked tirelessly to maintain the show’s authenticity. Fans can look forward to more exciting adventures with their favorite animated duo, as the series enters a new era with its fresh voices.