Rick & Morty: “We don’t record the voices together”

Behind the scenes of the animation series, the actors of the original vocal cast tell us how they embody the most crazy characters of the current TV.

Season 8 of Rick & Morty has just started (on max in France) and we are plunging back into new interdimensional adventures, in the footsteps of the most crazy duo on TV. A duo who, behind the scenes, gently takes his marks following the resounding departure of Justin Roiland.

At the beginning of 2023, the co-creator of Rick & Morty (with Dan Harmon) was dismissed from production, following charges of domestic violence and then sexual assault. The catch is that King was not only creator and screenwriter: he also doubled itself The two main characters in the series: Rick and Morty!

It was therefore necessary to recruit two new actors to take over. These are Ian Cardoni (Rick) and Harry Belden (Morty) who were chosen to embody vocally the proud grandfather and his grandson. After a few episodes of running in season 7, the two voices have now found their place in season 8. But do not speak to them of duo dynamics or even alchemy: behind the scenes, behind the scenes, behind the scenes, behind the scenes, behind the scenes, behind the scenes, behind the scenes Rick and Morty Don’t work together!

“We never record together,“” reveal the two actors at first. “Which is a surprise for most people. When we are in recording session, we are alone in the studio. Without the other members of the casting.”

All the more surprising that the success of Rick and Morty Building largely on its insane aftershocks and its punchy rhythm. But all this is actually mounted, as confirmed to us Spencer Grammerwho has lent his voice to Summer for over ten years. It assures it: this operation has always been the standard within the production:

“It is true that it is not simple at the start, but very quickly, we get used to it. We are talking very quickly in the studio, and then there is a large mounting part that makes all the magic of the rhythm of the series. It is really the Behind the Scenes technique that does a big job.”

The actress explains in the process that the members of the casting intersect, in fact, especially in the fans conventions, and quickly during promo tours. But no more.

A lonely process that certainly makes the emotional monitoring of a character more complex. Not easy, under these conditions, for the actors, to keep the thread of their incarnation. Especially since the intrigues of Rick & Morty are particularly twisted. Chris ParnellJerry’s voice from the very first episode, does not hide it:

“We have indications, notes of intention when we record the voices, which allow us to see more clearly. But I admit that sometimes, I do not know where we are in the mythology of the series. I do not always know if what is happening in such an episode is linked to a previous episode.”

But he adds, philosopher: “Admittedly, it’s sometimes complicated to follow where my character is, but Jerry, in the end, does not really move … even from one reality to another, it’s always this good old Jerry!”

Which is less true for Morty. The young teenager evolves, even if he does not age. A paradox that echoes that of Simpson : The characters remain frozen in time, but gain in maturity and personality.

Harry Belden confirms that his character is no longer the same as at the beginning of the series: “Morty has garnered so much experience in all his adventures with Rick. And at the same time, we sometimes find him being a 14 -year -old teenager playing Fortnite like any kid. There is this duality in the character, a kind of juxtaposition of personalities who is great.”

Season 8 of Rick & Morty continues every Monday on Max in France.