The landscape of Adult Swim’s hit series Rick and Morty changed significantly leading into its seventh season. For years, fans were accustomed to the unique vocal stylings of the show's co-creator voicing both leads. However, a major transition has taken place, bringing new talent to the forefront of the multiverse.

As of Season 7 and continuing into Season 8, the voice of Rick Sanchez is provided by Ian Cardoni, and the voice of Morty Smith is provided by Harry Belden. While the titular duo has new voices, the rest of the main Smith family cast remains unchanged, ensuring a level of continuity for the long-running sci-fi sitcom.

The New Leads of the Multiverse

The search for new leads was an extensive process that lasted several months. The goal for the production team was to find "soundalike" actors who could capture the specific cadence, grit, and emotional range of the original performances while allowing the show to move forward into its massive 70-episode order.

Ian Cardoni as Rick Sanchez

Ian Cardoni took on the monumental task of voicing the cynical, alcoholic genius Rick Sanchez. Cardoni’s background in voice-over work and his ability to replicate the gravelly, erratic nature of Rick’s speech patterns were key factors in his casting. In the episodes following the transition, viewers noted that the "Rick-isms"—the burping, the stutters, and the high-pitched rants—remained tactically consistent with previous seasons.

Harry Belden as Morty Smith

Harry Belden was selected to voice the fretful and often traumatized Morty Smith. Morty’s voice is characterized by its cracks and high-pitched anxiety, a specific vocal profile that Belden has successfully maintained. His performance covers both the "Classic Morty" and the more assertive versions of the character that have emerged as the series progresses.

The Core Smith Family Cast

While the leads saw a change, the supporting cast that forms the backbone of the Smith household has remained steadfast since the pilot episode in 2013. These veteran actors provide the emotional grounding and comedic timing that define the show's domestic drama.

Chris Parnell as Jerry Smith

Chris Parnell continues to voice Jerry Smith, the insecure, unemployed, and often-mocked patriarch of the family. Parnell, known for his work on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, brings a perfect blend of pathetic charm and oblivious confidence to Jerry. His performance has remained a fan favorite as Jerry has evolved from a simple punchline into a more complex, albeit still bumbling, character.

Spencer Grammer as Summer Smith

Spencer Grammer voices Summer Smith, Morty’s older sister. Over the years, Summer has transitioned from a typical teenager worried about social status to a hardened adventurer who often rivals Rick in her ruthlessness. Grammer’s voice work has matured alongside the character, reflecting Summer’s growing role in the interdimensional hijinks.

Sarah Chalke as Beth Smith and Space Beth

Sarah Chalke voices Beth Smith, Rick’s daughter and a professional horse surgeon. Chalke also voices "Space Beth," the badass, galactic rebel version of the character whose existence sparked a major multi-season mystery regarding which Beth was the "clone." Chalke’s ability to play two distinct versions of the same personality—one grounded in domestic frustration and the other in sci-fi rebellion—remains a highlight of the series.

Why the Rick and Morty Cast Changed

The decision to recast the lead roles was not creative but necessitated by external circumstances. In early 2023, Adult Swim officially severed ties with the show’s co-creator and original voice lead, Justin Roiland. This followed public reports involving domestic violence charges. Although those specific charges were eventually dismissed due to insufficient evidence, the network chose to move forward with a fresh start for the characters to maintain a professional production environment.

The casting process was kept under tight wraps until the premiere of Season 7. The showrunners opted to use the "soundalike" approach rather than acknowledging the voice change within the show's plot, preserving the immersion of the series.

Supporting Characters and Guest Voices

Beyond the immediate family, Rick and Morty features a deep bench of recurring characters voiced by industry veterans and the show’s own creative staff.

Dan Harmon as Birdperson

Co-creator Dan Harmon provides the voice for Birdperson (and his later iteration, Phoenixperson). Birdperson serves as one of Rick’s few true friends, and Harmon’s deadpan, monotone delivery has become iconic within the series' lore.

Tom Kenny as Squanchy and Gene

Legendary voice actor Tom Kenny, most famous for voicing SpongeBob SquarePants, plays a variety of roles in the series. His most prominent recurring roles include Squanchy, the cat-like alien friend of Rick, and Gene, the Smiths' mundane and often-annoyed neighbor.

Jon Allen as Mr. Poopybutthole

Mr. Poopybutthole, a long-standing "family friend" character, also saw a voice change in Season 7. Jon Allen took over the role, mimicking the high-pitched, energetic catchphrases of the character while maintaining the fourth-wall-breaking nature of the role's post-credits appearances.

Kari Wahlgren as Jessica and Rick’s Computer

Kari Wahlgren provides the voice for Jessica, Morty’s long-time crush, as well as the voice of Rick’s ship computer and various other background characters. Her versatility is a key component of the show's world-building.

Production and the Future of the Series

Rick and Morty is currently in the middle of a massive renewal deal. In 2018, Adult Swim ordered 70 new episodes, which ensures the show will run at least through Season 10. More recently, updates have suggested the series has been renewed through Season 12.

The successful transition of the voice cast in Season 7 proved that the show could survive the departure of its original voice lead. With Scott Marder serving as showrunner and Dan Harmon remaining as a primary creative force, the series continues to explore high-concept sci-fi themes, nihilistic philosophy, and complex character growth.

Summary of the Current Cast Members

To keep track of the many voices in the multiverse, here is a quick reference for the primary cast:

  • Rick Sanchez: Ian Cardoni (Season 7–Present)
  • Morty Smith: Harry Belden (Season 7–Present)
  • Jerry Smith: Chris Parnell
  • Summer Smith: Spencer Grammer
  • Beth Smith: Sarah Chalke
  • Birdperson: Dan Harmon
  • Mr. Poopybutthole: Jon Allen

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the voice of Rick and Morty change in Season 7?

Yes, the voices of both Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith were recast starting in Season 7. Ian Cardoni now voices Rick, and Harry Belden voices Morty.

Why did Justin Roiland stop voicing the characters?

Adult Swim ended its relationship with Justin Roiland in early 2023 following allegations of domestic abuse. The network decided to recast his roles to continue the production of the series.

Who is the new voice of Rick Sanchez?

The new voice of Rick Sanchez is Ian Cardoni, a voice actor who was selected after an extensive search for someone who could match the original character's tone and delivery.

Is the original cast still on the show?

Most of the original cast members, including Chris Parnell (Jerry), Spencer Grammer (Summer), and Sarah Chalke (Beth), have remained with the show and continue to voice their respective characters.

How many more seasons of Rick and Morty are planned?

The show is currently under a long-term contract that covers at least ten seasons, with further renewals potentially extending the series to Season 12 and beyond.

Through the recruitment of new talent like Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden, Rick and Morty has managed to maintain its identity while navigating a significant behind-the-scenes transition. The series remains a cornerstone of adult animation, continuing to push the boundaries of storytelling in the animated medium.