Is Rick and Morty cancelled after Justin Roiland's domestic violence charges?

Was Rick and Morty cancelled? No, the show has not been cancelled in the face of the widespread speculation following co-creator Justin Roiland's domestic violence charges. While the allegations certainly shook things up, including Roiland's departure from the series, the show's future remains secure, with new seasons still on the horizon.

Rick and Morty poster (L). Justin Roiland (R) at San Diego Comic-Con 2022. Photo: IMDb/ Michael Kovac (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Key takeaways

Rick and Morty was not cancelled even after the controversy surrounding Justin Roiland's domestic violence charges.

even after the controversy surrounding Justin Roiland's domestic violence charges. Roiland was removed from the show in January 2023 , and his roles as Rick and Morty were recast with Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden.

, and his roles as Rick and Morty were recast with Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden. The charges against Roiland were dropped in 2023 due to insufficient evidence.

Was Rick and Morty cancelled after Justin Roiland's controversy?

No. The show was not cancelled after Justin Roiland's controversy, despite the significant fallout following his domestic violence charges in 2020. Roiland, who co-created the show, also voiced the lead characters, Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith, for the first six seasons. His involvement was essential to the show's success, contributing to its multiple Emmy Awards.

In fact, Adult Swim confirmed that the show would continue, announcing that the eighth season is scheduled to premiere on 25 May 2025. This announcement was made after the programme's April Fools' Day special, a live-action reinterpretation of popular scenes from the series.

What did Justin Roiland do?

In May 2020, the Orange County District Attorney filed a criminal complaint against Justin Roiland, accusing him of felony domestic violence in connection with an incident involving a former girlfriend earlier that year. The allegations included causing corporal injury and committing false imprisonment through threats, deceit, fraud, or violence.

Roiland was taken into custody in August 2020 and later released on a $50,000 bond. He appeared in court for arraignment in October of the same year. Throughout the legal process, he denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.

Following multiple court appearances and legal proceedings, the case was dismissed in 2023 due to insufficient evidence to meet the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. After the dismissal, Roiland expressed his reaction on social media, describing the claims as false and stating he was still deeply affected by what had been said about him. He said he wished to move on from the experience.

"I'm so disappointed that so many people were so quick to judge without knowing the facts, based solely on the word of an embittered ex trying to bypass due process and have me 'cancelled'," he added.

Justin Roiland attends the #IMDboat at San Diego Comic-Con 2019. Photo: Rich Polk (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

The controversy's impact on Rick and Morty

Was the renowned Rick and Morty creator fired? By the time the charges were dropped, he had already been dropped from the show. In January 2023, Adult Swim, which owns and produces the show, announced its decision to end its association with Justin Roiland after the allegations were made against him.

The network reportedly took this step to disassociate itself from the controversy and allow the series to continue without his involvement. Following his departure, new voice actors were brought in to take over his roles, with Ian Cardoni voicing Rick and Harry Belden taking on the role of Morty.

Why is Justin Roiland not coming back?

Justin Roiland is not returning to Rick and Morty primarily due to the serious misconduct allegations and the subsequent fallout. Although the criminal charges of domestic violence against him were eventually dropped, the damage to his reputation and professional relationships had already been done.

The first season to drop without Justin's involvement premiered on 15 October 2023. It received a mixed yet overall positive response from both viewers and critics. Reviews noted that, despite changes in the voice cast and creative leadership, the show retained its comedic style and imaginative tone.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the season earned a 77% rating based on 13 critic reviews. Commentators stated that the transition in casting was executed smoothly and that the series offered entertaining content.

What does Justin Roiland do now?

Justin Roiland has been concentrating on work related to his video game company, Squanch Games. In December 2022, the company launched its most ambitious release, High on Life, a comedic first-person shooter. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the game achieved strong commercial performance, reaching the top of the sales charts on both Xbox and Steam. After the controversy in early 2023, Roiland stepped down from his leadership role at Squanch Games.

Justin Roiland attends the Turner Upfront 2017 arrivals(L). Justin takes a selfie at the Getty Images Portrait Studio(R). Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/ Michael Buckner (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Last year, it was announced that J.B. Smoove's production company, Alternate Side Productions, would develop High on Life into an animated television series. Notably, Roiland's name does not appear in the production credits. The voice roles he initially performed were expected to be recast.

Although Roiland continues to promote High on Life and other projects through his social media platforms, there has been no public indication of his return to mainstream animation or voice acting. Meanwhile, Solar Opposites, a show he co-created, is set to conclude with its sixth season in 2025 without his participation.

FAQs about Rick and Morty

Is Rick and Morty officially cancelled? No, Rick and Morty is not officially cancelled. Is Rick and Morty over for good? No, Rick and Morty is not over for good. The series continues to air with new episodes and upcoming seasons. Why is Justin Roiland no longer part of Rick and Morty? Justin Roiland is no longer part of Rick and Morty because Adult Swim cut ties with him following domestic violence allegations. Who voices Rick and Morty now? Rick is now voiced by Ian Cardoni, and Morty is voiced by Harry Belden, following Justin Roiland's departure. How was Season 7 received without Justin Roiland's involvement? Season 7 received a mixed reception. Many fans and critics felt that the show maintained its humour and creativity. Why was Justin Roiland removed if the charges were dropped? Justin Roiland was removed from Rick and Morty because Adult Swim decided before the charges were dropped. What is the premise of Rick and Morty? The show follows Rick Sanchez, a brilliant but troubled scientist who takes his grandson Morty on adventures across dimensions and alternate realities.

Final word

Was Rick and Morty cancelled? Despite the storm surrounding Justin Roiland's domestic violence charges, Rick and Morty has not been cancelled. The show continues to push forward with fresh voices and storylines, even after Roiland's departure. The eighth season is already lined up.

Tuko.co.ke also published an article about the real reason behind Dr. Phil's talk show cancellation. Was his wife, Robin McGraw, involved in the decision? Find out the truth, as the article breaks down the real motivations behind the end of the popular daytime programme.

This article also looks into Dr. Phil's new ventures, the controversies surrounding his show, and insights into his family life and ongoing marriage with Robin McGraw.

Source: TUKO.co.ke