Years ago, “Rick and Morty” co-creators Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon could fill every seat on their San Diego Comic-Con panels with fans eager for every little detail about the animated series with a cult following. While this year’s panel in the Hilton Bayfront’s Indigo Ballroom was once again packed, there was an air of uncertainty about the show’s future, as panelists were hesitant to give many details (if any) about where their space odyssey will go.
In January 2023, Adult Swim ended their relationship with Roiland, who also voiced the titular characters, after being accused of domestic violence. “Adult Swim has terminated its association with Justin Roiland,” the network said in a statement. Hulu also pulled him from “Solar Opposites,” which he co-created, and “Koala Man.” Charges against Roiland were dropped in March.
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At the time, Roiland posted a lengthy statement online saying he was “grateful” for the charges being dropped, but added: “I am still deeply shaken by the horrific lies that have been told about me during this process.” He also hinted that he was ready to return to work, writing, “Now that the court case is over, I am determined to move forward and focus on both my creative endeavors and restoring my reputation.”
In June, Hulu revealed that Dan Stevens would reprise the lead role of Roiland as Korvo in “Solar Opposites.” A Season 4 trailer pokes fun at the redesign, including a quip that Korvo was hit with a “voice fixation ray.” As for “Rick and Morty,” the redesign is still in progress.
“We’re nearing the end of our redesign process, but I mean it’s going to be awesome,” said executive producer Steven Levy. “I’m really impressed with everything that’s going on, including all the work on Season 7. Really, that’s the thing I don’t want to be upstaged. The show is as good as it’s ever been.
Shortly after the discussion of what to expect from season 7, a new cold opener with rough animation sketches was shown for the crowd – sans Rick and Morty.
When the floor was opened up for questions from the audience, one fan asked if the new actors would mimic the characters’ original sound or completely change the voices.
“They’re similar sounds,” Levy said. “The characters are the same characters. No change.” This response was met with thunderous applause from the audience.
As for when fans can expect the seventh season to debut, Levy once again played coy: “Pretty dang soon.”
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