The popular animated series, Rick and Morty, is facing a controversial decision for its upcoming season 7 as it plans to replace Justin Roiland with sound-alike voice actors. However, this move is seen as a missed opportunity and may lead to several problems for the show. Here are six reasons why the recast plan is not the best approach to handle Roiland’s departure and why the show should have taken a different path.
1. Rick & Morty’s Meta Nature Makes Roiland’s Exit Harder To Explain The meta-humor and fourth-wall breaks in Rick and Morty are an integral part of its identity. Ignoring Roiland’s departure without any acknowledgment could create inconsistency within the show and break the self-referential tone that fans love. To maintain the show’s unique style, addressing the change in a self-aware manner is essential.
2. Roiland’s Rick & Morty Season 7 Recasting Was An Exciting Opportunity Replacing a beloved voice actor opens up possibilities for reinventing the show’s characters and dynamics. Other shows, like Big Mouth, have successfully embraced recasting as a chance to explore new directions. Rick and Morty should have used this opportunity to break away from its established formula and try something fresh.
3. Replicating Rick & Morty’s Voices Won’t Be Easy Justin Roiland’s distinctive delivery and style will be hard to match for any voice actor. Moreover, the refusal to acknowledge the change between seasons 6 and 7 might hinder the new actors from bringing their own nuances to the roles, making the recasting feel forced and unnatural.
4. Rick & Morty’s Recasting Plan Actually Makes Roiland’s Exit A Bigger Issue By glossing over Roiland’s departure, the show unintentionally elevates the significance of the recasting situation. Acknowledging the change in an in-show manner would have allowed the series to handle the situation more smoothly.
5. Ignoring Rick & Morty’s Recasting Wastes A Great Joke Rick and Morty had an opportunity to create a hilarious and self-referential episode featuring various celebrity guest stars voicing the title characters. By ignoring this chance, the show loses a potential gem that fans would have loved to see.
6. Rick & Morty Risks Parodying Itself By Using Sound-Alikes Hiring sound-alike actors might lead to episodes that feel overly cartoony and lacking the usual balance of comedy and chaos that the show is known for. Rick and Morty should avoid imitating the viral imitators of Roiland’s performances and stay true to its original style.
In conclusion, while recasting Justin Roiland in Rick and Morty season 7 was necessary due to recent events, the show’s decision to replace him with sound-alike actors is a missed opportunity. The series should have embraced the change in a more self-aware manner, giving the characters a chance to evolve and the show a fresh direction. By ignoring the recasting, Rick and Morty risks losing its unique charm and may alienate fans who appreciate its meta-humor and unconventional storytelling.