Who are Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden? 'Rick and Morty' fans have mixed responses to Justin Roiland's replacements on iconic show
ATLANTA, GEORGIA: The animated sitcom 'Rick and Morty' is welcoming new voice actors in Season 7. Adult Swim has finally revealed their names in the credits of Season 7.
Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden will be replacing the fan favorite Justin Roiland, who has voiced both the show's protagonists, Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith, in previous seasons.
The latest season premiered on October 15.
Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden are the new voices of Rick and Morty respectively. pic.twitter.com/ttwvT0SyxD
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 16, 2023
The new voices for the characters were first heard in the trailer of Season 7, but Adult Swim did not reveal the names of the voice actors at the time.
Who is Ian Cardoni?
Cardoni is the new voice for Rick, the alcoholic scientist grandpa.
Cardoni is based in Los Angeles. He began his acting career by playing Bilbo Baggins in a school production of The Hobbit. He was last seen as a narrator for Wrestlemania 37.
Who is Harry Belden?
Belden is from Illinois and is voicing Morty. According to his website, he has loved two things from a young age: "performing and superheroes."
"In order to find a socially acceptable way to dress up in costumes and pretend to be somebody else, he decided to pursue acting as a profession," says Belden's website.
He is known for his works in the 2021 film 'Christmas Again' and the TV series 'Chicago Med' and 'Proven Innocence'.
What happened to Justin Roiland who voiced 'Rick and Morty'
Adult Swim fired Roiland, the co-creator of the series and voice actor of both characters, Rick and Morty, over multiple allegations of domestic violence.
He was, however, cleared of the charges in March.
Later, NBC also came up with a report alleging that "Roiland used his 'Rick and Morty' fame to pursue young fans."
Fans have mixed responses to new voice actors
The official description of the show's latest season said, "Rick and Morty are back and sounding more like themselves than ever! It's season seven, and the possibilities are endless: What's up with Jerry? EVIL Summer?! And will they ever go back to the high school?! Maybe not! But let's find out! There's probably less piss than last season. 'Rick and Morty,' 100 years! Or at least until season 10!"
However, after the premiere, fans took to social media and expressed mixed reactions to the new voices.
One user wrote, "I wish them nothing but the best. They have a lot of shoes to fill but I'm sure they'll do great."
I wish them nothing but the best. They have a lot of shoes to fill but I’m sure they’ll do great
— Kj Superstar (@kjcole0811) October 16, 2023
"Rick sounds better in the episode than the trailer little off and in other moments it's more noticeable but so far pretty good but Morty is almost perfect ! Poopy butthole also is a bit off but pretty good too," said a second user.
Rick sounds better in the episode than the trailer little off and in other moments it’s more noticeable but so far pretty good but Morty is almost perfect ! Poopy butthole also is a bit off but pretty good too
— Mr.oldassfoo1 (@oldassfoo1) October 16, 2023
Many users opined that the showrunners should have selected the voice actor Sean Kelly.
A user stated, "Sean Kelly is still prob the best choice imo. Rick didn't sound right in the ad, Morty wasn't too bad though."
Sean Kelly is still prob the best choice imo. Rick didn't sound right in the ad, Morty wasn't too bad though.
— ScottieSpliffen (@DevilSpliffin) October 16, 2023
"Should've been Sean Kelly," suggested another user.
One user who has not watched the season tweeted, "They both have a high bar to reach. Previous Rick and Morty voices had so unique voices. I only saw some clips here and there. Have to watch the series now."
They both have a high bar to reach. Previous Rick and Morty voices had so unique voices. I only saw some clips here and there. Have to watch the series now.
— Vikram Vetaal (@VarunDonBhai) October 16, 2023
While one fan not concerned about the voice change said, "this voice change will not impact my view of the show whatsoever."
this voice change will not impact my view of the show whatsoever.
— Bangerang (@Bangerang17) October 16, 2023
"The Morty sounds spot on, The Rick is just passable," another tweeted.
A user who did not like two voice actors said, "Should have been one voice actor, like before."
One disappointed fan tweeted, "On that note, I am out."