Stepping Through the Portal: How Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden Made Rick and Morty Their Own
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden discuss the intense audition process, lifelong fandom, and character evolution as they continue voicing the iconic leads in Rick and Morty.
Stepping into roles previously voiced by a show creator is never an easy assignment, especially when those characters are cultural touchstones for millions of fans. In a recent interview with Polygon, Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden opened up about the intensive audition process and surreal experience of taking over the lead roles in Rick and Morty. For Belden, who landed the voice of Morty, the casting call was an immediate call to action because he was already a massive fan of the series who frequently quoted it with friends. Cardoni approached the role of Rick Sanchez with a mix of lifelong fandom and casual impressions that he eventually refined into professional voice work during a rigorous six-month audition process.
As the actors settle into their ongoing run following their introduction, they are finding plenty of room to stretch their creative muscles across the multiverse. Both performers have expressed excitement over exploring the infinite variations of their characters, from the ice-cold composure of Evil Morty to unique alternate Ricks like the Cajun-accented Boss Hogg Rick. Beyond the multiverse antics, they are also navigating the deeper character growth that has defined recent seasons. Belden notes that Morty has evolved into a much more self-assertive version of his former neurotic self, while Cardoni highlights Rick's surprisingly human struggles with therapy and family dynamics.
For communities that treat long-running animated series as core social viewing, the successful transition behind the microphone proves that dedicated fans can step up to carry beloved franchises forward. Rather than leaning on mere impressions, Cardoni and Belden have invested themselves in the emotional and comedic evolution of the show. You can read the full interview and dive deeper into their thoughts on the series over at Polygon.
Tags: Rick and Morty, Polygon, Animation, Streaming, Television
Original article: Polygon