Justin Roiland is best known as the animator, voice actor, writer, producer, and director behind the animated sitcom Rick and Morty, but he’s also passionate about video games, having founded a studio called Squanch Games in 2016. According to a tweet that the High on Life studio shared today, Roiland resigned from the studio on January 16, 2023, and while no reason was given, it likely has to do with the felony domestic abuse charges that the creator is facing. Roiland has also been kicked off Rick and Morty; his voice roles will be recast.
From The Hollywood Reporter:
Adult Swim has cut ties with Justin Roiland in the wake of the news that the Rick and Morty co-creator was charged with felony domestic abuse in Orange County.
“Adult Swim has ended its association with Justin Roiland,” Adult Swim/Cartoon Network/Boomerang senior vp communications Marie Moore said in a statement Tuesday.
Adult Swim distributes Rick and Morty, the hit adult animation comedy that Roiland co-created and executive produced, and for which he voiced both the titular Rick and Morty. As The Hollywood Reporter reported on Jan. 17, Adult Swim isn’t even halfway through a massive 70-episode order for the show, one of the brand’s most popular titles, commissioned by the channel in 2018.
Sources say Rick and Morty is set to continue, with Roiland’s voice roles to be recast. Though Roiland will always be credited as co-creator, fellow co-creator Dan Harmon will now be the lone showrunner. The show is locked in through season 10.
— Squanch Games (@SquanchGames) January 25, 2023
Discussion (9 replies)
Join Discussion →Recasting Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith? Yeah, that won't go over very well.
Hulu just dropped him as well.
https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/internet/justin-roiland-hulu-rick-morty-allegations-domestic-abuse-rcna67474
Probably only a matter of time until Netflix says something.
As I recall, there was some 70+ episode deal for Rick & Morty with Adult Swim. Seems like Adult Swim is going to continue to make the show anyway, just without Roiland. To be honest, without Roiland, I can't see Rick & Morty continuing successfully anyway. Apparently, he's being replaced on Solar Opposites too.
TBH I haven't enjoyed it as much after the 3rd season. Seasons 4+5 had some moments but didn't leave me laughing non-stop like the previous ones did and after a while even felt forced. The pacing was still there but something was missing. I haven't seen the latest season so I have no idea. For some stupid reason ever since the new deal was signed, I can't get my DVR to record them and have had to wait until they hit HBO Max.
Yep. I was reading the same about this last night. This story actually has some stuff about Harmon that I didn't remember.
https://www.tvinsider.com/1078689/adult-swim-rick-and-morty-justin-roiland-recast-end-relationship/
Doesn't really matter as the show has been mediocre for a while and the latest season is so bad I stopped watching it entirely.
I've watched it from the beginning and though it's lost a little steam, but it's still funny. This latest season has been pretty good save maybe a few episodes. Replacing Roiland won't be easy, so we will have to wait and see I guess.
Indeed.
Same.
Me either.
Recasting actors rarely goes well.
I know, that original mold is probably already warped for a new casting.