"Rick and Morty's Cast and Crew Discuss the Shocking Resurrection of Citadel in This Week's Episode"
In the latest instalment of the popular animated series Rick and Morty, viewers are greeted with a new era for the franchise as Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden take on the lead roles of Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith, respectively.
The change came in season 8, which premiered on May 25, 2025, following Justin Roiland's dismissal from the franchise in January 2023. Cardoni, who voices Rick and various Rick clones, and Belden, who voices Morty and several Morty clones, have brought a fresh dynamic to the series while maintaining the essence of the characters.
The new voices have been well-received, with the scripts for season 8 including improvised moments, allowing the actors to add personal touches and spontaneity to their performances, similar to past seasons. This improvisational element helps keep the humor and interactions authentic and lively, contributing to the show's continued appeal.
One of the standout episodes in season 8 is "The Rick, the Mort & the Ugly," which revisits the Citadel of Ricks. The episode features a Rick character who resembles and speaks like a corrupt political leader from The Dukes of Hazzard, known as Boss Hogg Rick. The creation of this character was a collaborative effort between the voice actors and the writers.
The writers' room process for Rick and Morty is more organic than simply checking off a list of funny ideas. They constantly layer their episodes like a croissant during the rewrite process, ensuring a rich and engaging viewing experience for fans.
Dan Harmon, the co-creator of Rick and Morty, finds the moments where Rick and Morty connect with each other funny and fulfilling. In season 8, these moments are abundant, thanks to the strong performances by Cardoni and Belden.
The new voices have also allowed the show to explore new characters and storylines. For instance, the notion of returning to the Citadel in Rick and Morty has been percolating for some time, and season 8 cements the ownership of the show's title characters by Cardoni and Belden.
In summary, the change in voice actors for Rick and Morty in season 8 has brought a fresh dynamic to the series while staying true to its established style. The improvisational element in the performances, combined with the organic writing process, ensures that Rick and Morty continues to be a favourite among viewers.
[1] https://www.tvinsider.com/1247132/rick-and-morty-season-8-new-voice-actors-ian-cardoni-harry-belden/ [2] https://www.polygon.com/21475317/rick-and-morty-season-8-voice-actors-ian-cardoni-harry-belden-interview
- Gizmodo recently published an article highlighting the successful transition of voices in Rick and Morty's eighth season, with Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden stepping into the roles of Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith, respectively.
- The io9 website also acknowledged the positive reception to the new voices, noting how Cardoni and Belden have brought a fresh dynamic to the series while retaining the essence of the characters, making the future of Rick and Morty's entertainment value promising.
- Movies-and-TV predict that the unique blend of improvised moments, authentic humor, and vibrant character interactions in season 8 will keep viewers engaged and eager for what the future holds for the animated series.
